DSA 2014 Concludes On Highly Successful Note

KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- The four-day biennial Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference (DSA 2014) concluded on Thursday on a highly successful note in terms of the number of visitors, exhibitors and commercial deals inked. Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the DSA 2014 received more than 30,000 trade visitors from over 70 countries for the first three days compared to 26,980 two year's ago. He received 13 courtesy calls from his foreign counterparts and senior government officials during the event, to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional commitment in the areas of defence and security. The foreign leaders also extended their sympathies to the families of those on board the missing Flight MH370 and commended Malaysia on the handling of the crisis. "This was especially in respect of coordinating the unprecedented and complex multinational search operations," Hishammuddin said at the DSA 2014 closing ceremony at the Putra World Trade Centre here. He also said the DSA 2014 witnessed the signing of 25 memorandums of understanding, letter of acceptances and letters of intent. "Four local companies entered into joint venture agreements with foreign partners, a trend I hope, will continue for the local defence industry players. "The defence industry is indeed a growing one with strong potential that the government seeks to nurture. "It shouldn't be monopolised by any one nation. Barriers to enter this industry should be lowered to encourage more competition," he added. The DSA 2014 played host to over 300 top government officials and foreign delegations from over 44 countries. Malaysia, Hishammuddin said, must showcase to the world its potential in the sector. --BERNAMA