Malaysia Reiterates Interest In Mexico's Expertise In Aerospace Sector

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Malaysia reiterates its interest to continue leveraging on Mexico's expertise and experience to develop its aerospace and aviation sector through strategic cooperation. International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Chua Tee Yong said this during his meeting with Mexico Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos De Icaza González, who was on a one-day working visit to Malaysia on Thursday. "Mexico's aviation industry attained an export of US$6.7 billion (US$1 = RM4.06) last year," the ministry said in a statement here Friday. Malaysia aspires to become the number one aerospace nation in Southeast Asia and an integral part of the global market by 2030, by which the industry is projected to contribute a revenue of US$7.9 billion (RM32.5 billion). The industry is also targeted to be one of the country's main engines of growth in the next decade as indicated in the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030. Malaysia has established a reputation as a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul player with world-class facilities. It is home to companies such as Malaysia Airlines Bhd, Airod Sdn Bhd, Asia Aero Technics Sdn Bhd and Sepang Aircraft Engineering Sdn Bhd, providing heavy maintenance jobs for various types of aircraft. Chua, who received a courtesy call from the Mexican delegation led by Icaza González to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) building here, also welcomed Mexican businesses to continue to invest and establish manufacturing plants in Malaysia to access the Asian market. Accompanying Icaza González were the country's international trade and investment promotion agency ProMéxico Chief Executive Officer Francisco N. González and Ambassador of Mexico to Malaysia Carlos Félix Corona. MITI said both deputy ministers believed that investments by Mexican businesses in Malaysia would improve not only the bilateral trade and relations but also the economic cooperation. "Investment and establishments of plants by Mexican businesses in Malaysia will not only reduce transportation cost covering the Pacific Ocean but also serve as a significant advantage in their access to the Asian market. "Further, the strategic location of Malaysia in the Asian region enables travel to any major city in the region within six hours," it noted. --BERNAMA