Commercial sector’s expanding role in industry

LANGKAWI: This year’s Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA ‘15) is seeing greater involvement from the Transport Ministry – a sign of the expanding role of the commercial sector in the civil aviation and maritime industry in Malaysia.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai (pic) said LIMA ‘15 will bring an interesting perspective of the region’s maritime and aerospace growth, along with the developmental changes that the region is going through.

“The participants will be able to gain a better understanding of trends and strategies as well as strengthen their networks throughout the region,” he said in his speech issued here yesterday.

A total of 512 aerospace and maritime companies from 36 countries are participating in the exhibition, while 113 aircraft and 65 vessels are on show.

The ministry is taking part in the inaugural Asean Aviation Summit themed “The Future Landscape of Asean Aviation”.

Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ismail Bakar said the summit will be attended by government agencies, industry regulators, airlines and airport operators, aircraft manufacturers and suppliers as well as the MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) industry.

“More than 40 panellists, speakers and aviation experts will share their views and expertise for the benefit of the region’s aviation industry,” he added.

The ministry is also bringing officials from 16 departments and agencies under its purview to highlight the ministry’s functions as Malaysia’s transport industry facilitator and enabler.

It will also be showcasing the shipping industry through the maritime sector pavilion, which will have 17 exhibitors representing the shipbuilding and repair industry.

For more information, visit www.mot.gov.my or www.lima.com.my.