Aviation And Maritime Sectors To Face Challenges This Year

PUTRAJAYA, Feb 16 (Bernama) -- The aviation and maritime sectors are among the sectors that are anticipated to face challenges following the weakening economy in Europe and the United States, Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha said. He said the sectors are projected to have a difficulty in achieving the projected growth of five to six per cent this year compared to 10 per cent last year. "Most of the shipping companies involved in container business said they are experiencing a drop in container volume at present," he told reporters after attending the monthly gathering of the ministry as well as Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations, here, Wednesday. Apart from the sluggish economy in Europe and the United States, Kong said the rise in fuel prices is also expected to provide a challenging scenario for the two sectors this year. "The number of airline passengers from China and India, nevertheless, remain high," he said. However, he hoped the economic condition in Asia Pacific, which remains strong, would help the sector to achieve good growth. -- BERNAMA