The halal industry is valued at more than three trillion U.S. dollars globally and serves the roughly two billion practising Muslims around the world. In Malaysia, the halal sector is a multi-billion dollar business, making the nation a fitting host for this week's International halal showcase. China is the largest source of overseas exhibitors at the event, which also coincides with 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. CGTN's Rian Maelzer has more on the expo from Kuala Lumpur.

The Malaysian International Halal Showcase or MIHAS is world's largest trade fair of its kind, with around 2000 exhibitors this year – more than 50 of them from China. Halal extends well beyond food, to products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and Islamic finance. The event brings together buyers and sellers – like this Chinese company producing halal rice snacks and handmade sundried noodles.

DENNIS WANG General Manager Sichuan Huiji Food Company "We just met a group of people from Indonesia, as well from Singapore and Thailand. So, I think this exhibition here is attracting people from around the world who want halal products. We are also quite focused on this group of people."

At the MIHAS opening, Malaysia's prime minister referred to his recent meetings with foreign leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping.

ANWAR IBRAHIM Malaysian Prime Minister "All these leaders have given special attention to the halal industry, and recognition to the role of Malaysia's government and the authorities in promoting this, and are seeking out cooperation and collaboration."

RIAN MAELZER Kuala Lumpur "MIHAS really highlights how global the halal industry has become, with exhibitors from several continents and some 66 countries."

It's a big opportunity for firms like this maker of hotpot spice mixes from China's Ningxia region.

VINSEE SIEW Beau Olam Group "We have a restaurant in Ningxia, and we're also looking for a partnership to open a restaurant in in Southeast Asia. I met someone from Cambodia. They are interested. So, we have a whole world of opportunities that we can explore with them."

In the past couple of years, Malaysia has seen the opening of many popular restaurants operated by Chinese Muslims from the Mainland. It's another example of how the halal business is bringing benefits to the people of both China and Malaysia. Rian Maelzer, CGTN, Kuala Lumpur.