More expected for LIMA'15 despite world economic slowdown: Tun M

An increase in participation is expected at the 2015 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibiton (LIMA'15) despite the present world economic slowdown, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.

"In the current world economic situation, many companies or countries would further enhance activities to promote their products to buyers from other countries.

"For them, LIMA'15 gives them the opportunity to showcase their products including military equipment in the hope that visitors from neighbouring countries would view and buy the products.

"Malaysia has benefited from LIMA in the development of the country's aviation industry," he told reporters after the launch of the 3D Museum at Art Paradise Beach at Oriental Village here Saturday.

Earlier, Defence Ministry Secretary General Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Mohamad Radzi said the number of exhibiting companies at LIMA'15 has increased to 502 from 433 in the previous edition in 2013.

"The number of participating countries has also increased from 31 at LIMA'13 to 36 this year, with Japan participating for the first time after relaxing its export ban on defence products.

"In addition, China has also increased its exhibition space from 60 sqm to 219 sqm this year," he said.