600 exhibitors from 30 countries to participate in Lima 2023

KUALA LUMPUR: The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima 2023) to be held in May will be the biggest one yet, with 600 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Leaders from 59 countries are also expected to attend Lima 2023. After a four-year hiatus, Lima 2023 - which will be held from May 23 to 27 - signals to the world that Malaysia has returned to normalcy and is back to business.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Transport Minister Anthony Loke co-launched Lima 2023 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today (Jan 16.)

Mohamad, in his speech, said that of the 600 exhibitors from 30 countries, about 360 will be from the defence industries.

“In a rapidly changing world, threats to national, regional, and global security have become more complex.

“Not only do we need to contend with traditional security challenges but we also need to consider non-traditional security threats such as extremism, terrorism, and piracy.

“No country can face these threats alone.

“The regional security situation that has developed over the past year shows that enhancing cooperation is more important than ever. This has made Lima 2023 all the more significant,” said Mohamad.

Mohamad also said in line with the National Defence and Security Industry Policy to be launched this year, Lima provides the opportunity for the Malaysian defence industry to showcase its achievements to the world.

Loke said that although the aerospace and maritime sectors were particularly affected by the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the industry remains fundamentally sound.

“In fact, in 2020, the global aerospace market was valued at more than US$298bil while the global marine vessel sector was valued at more than US$170bil in 2021.

“Malaysia has long been focused on uplifting the domestic aerospace and maritime sectors so that they can further contribute to national growth.

“We have the capability and capacity to enhance the shipbuilding and repair industry in the country, which is currently valued at more than RM15bil,” said Loke.

Loke also said that under the Malaysia Shipping Master Plan, the government plans to have ships built in Malaysia to contribute to 90% of bulk carrier tonnage, 62% of container ship tonnage, 34% of general cargo ship tonnage, and 31% of oil tanker tonnage.

“The plan also aims for Malaysian vessels to account for 20% of global shipping, 30% of intra-Asean trade, 90% of domestic shipping and 100% of port tugboat operations.

“The Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, which was launched at Lima 2015, set targets for Malaysia to capture at least 5% of the global market share of the global maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) market.

“The blueprint also aims for Malaysia to be the Asean leader in aerospace parts and components sourcing, to have 70% local content in aerospace manufacturing, and to have at least 3.5% market share in aerospace engineering and design services.

“Ultimately, the national aerospace industry is expected to generate annual revenue of RM55.2bil and create 32,000 high-income jobs by 2030,” said Loke.

He also said that Lima 2023 will give special emphasis on drone and aerospace technology segments.

“Domestically, the drone industry is set to contribute RM50.71bil to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030,” said Loke.

Lima 2023 with the tagline “The Nexus of Maritime and Aerospace Trade” is expected to showcase the technological advancement and latest innovation in the shipping and shipbuilding industry as well as the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO).

Also present at the event was Lima 2023 organiser Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd chairman Tan Sri Khairul Adib Abd Rahman and Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.