UK Wants More Partnership From Malaysia In Defence-Related Industries

By Kamarul Ariffin Md Yassin LANGKAWI (Malaysia, Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The United Kingdom (UK) wants more of its companies to form a partnership with Malaysian counterparts, especially in defence-related industries. Its International Security Strategy Minister, Gerald Howarth, noted that as Malaysia and the UK enjoyed long historic ties, joint ventures with Malaysian companies could help in the development of a supply chain. He said the UK had one of the most advanced aircrafts in the world, such as the 'Eurofighter Typhoon', while Malaysia had the potential to develop that industry in this region. "Malaysia, on the other hand, with the Typhoon programme, you can have access to major European countries and the technology transfer. "I have spoken to several UK companies which informed me that they have held discussions with Malaysian companies to form a partnership in Malaysia," he added. Howarth was speaking to Bernama on the sidelines of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA '11) at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre here Wednesday. Meanwhile, UK Head of Defence and Security Organisation Richard Paniguian said, in the current world situation, businesses should focus on the need for international allies and partnerships. He believed many Malaysian companies, especially in defence-related industries, had formed partnership with companies from other countries. "I came here in 2009 (during the previous LIMA) and what happened in a spate of two years, more Malaysian companies are occupying the space here. The situation has changed radically," he said. Paniguian said, for LIMA '11, they have introduced the 'Eurofighter Typhoon' for the first time. -- BERNAMA