Lima '23 a catalyst to promote Malaysia to the world

KUALA LUMPUR: The recently concluded Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (Lima '23) was seen as a catalyst to promote Malaysia as a business and tourism destination at the global level after the country entered its transition to Covid-19 endemicity.

It was proven when agreements worth a total of RM17.6 billion were signed during Lima '23, which was jointly organised by the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Transport and Alpine Integrated Solution Sdn Bhd (Alpine).

Alpine managing director Anita Jacobson said Lima '23, which saw the participation of more than 600 exhibitors with 70 per cent of the participation coming from international companies, not only opened up business opportunities but also helped the country's tourism industry.

"Lima itself is already a brand to promote not only Langkawi but Malaysia as a destination, not just for tourists but also for businesses.

"With the procurement agreements achieved in Lima, it showed to the world that Malaysia is ready to do business...Lima '23 is definitely a catalyst to promote Malaysia to the world," she told Bernama.

In the return on investment (ROI) aspect, Anita said Lima '23 gave exhibitors the opportunity to meet their potential clients and 50 per cent of the exhibitors who participated in the 16th edition of the exhibition had booked booths for the next Lima in 2025.

"We engaged with international partners for B2B (business-to-business) for the first three trade days, 146 companies in the programme involving more than 200 participants and more than 1,200 meetings that took place," she said.

Anita said 100 international media organisations were brought in to promote the exhibition.

"There were 179 international journalists representing about 100 media organisations. They were glad that they came and said it was a great show," she added.

The five-day Lima '23, themed 'The Nexus of Asia's Maritime and Aerospace Trade', ended on May 27. The next Lima is expected to be held in May 2025.