A worker putting the finishing touches to an Airbus model at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre in Langkawi.
THE Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) exhibition is an asset to the country and its people.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Lima has benefited the local defence industry since its first show on the island in 1991.
"In 1991, only three of the exhibitors were local companies. Today, 44 per cent of the exhibitors are local defence companies.
"This shows the relevance of Lima. The critics should come here and see for themselves," he said after his visit to the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre.
Zahid said there would be a number of significant business deals that would be signed during Lima 2011.
He added that there was a huge number of representatives coming from Asean countries.
"The interest is due to the collaboration in the Asean defence industry, and Malaysia has also positioned itself as a hub for the export of defence equipment manufactured here to companies in Asean countries," he said. Zahid spent about an hour visiting the MIEC yesterday afternoon.
"This is my third visit here... I am satisfied that 95 percent of the work is done."
Zahid added that 17 defence ministers from Asean and other countries have confirmed their attendance to Lima 2011.
"Today, the Indonesian defence minister arrived and others will be arriving tomorrow."
Zahid called on Malaysians from all walks of life to visit Lima 2011.
He added that for the first time, visitors would also get the chance to go aboard the numerous ships on display.
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