Lima '11 The Most Successful Ever - M'sian Defence Minister

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 10 (Bernama) -- The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (Lima '11) will have drawn 125,000 visitors by the time it concludes at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) Saturday. Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the number of visitors included 34,000 trade visitors at the aerospace segment of the show at MIEC. "For the maritime segment, we received 21,000 visitors for the career programme as well as 14,000 visitors at the ships," he told a news conference here Saturday, the final day of the five-day show. Dr Ahmad Zahid described the 11th edition of Lima as the most successful since it was first held in 1991. The Malaysia Book of Records also acknowledged the Lima '11 aerospace exhibition as the largest ever held in Malaysia by presenting a certificate to the minister. Lima 2009 drew 71,000 visitors comprising 33,000 trade visitors and 38,000 members of the public. According to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), business-to-business meetings conducted during Lima '11 registered potential sales worth US$43.6 million (RM137.2 million). The figure was the result of 52 business meetings involving 33 Malaysian and 10 foreign companies. Meanwhile, Dr Ahmad Zahid singled out MISC, Malaysia's leading shipping company, over its absence at Lima this year. "For Lima 2013, we'll ensure that MISC takes part," he said. He stressed that MISC should be supportive of government-backed programmes like Lima. "Don't take things lightly. I just want to tell MISC this. Please don't stand alone, join us in promoting the national maritime industry," he said. Dr Ahmad Zahid also wanted to see increased participation from the oil and gas sector as well as commercial vessels and aircraft. The last day of the event held on the resort of Langkawi saw thousands of people making a beeline for the MIEC to see the aerospace exhibition as well as the aircraft static display. They could be seen snatching up merchandise like T-shirts, special badges, keychains and caps. -- BERNAMA