Malaysian exhibitors made a resounding impact at the International Paris Airshow 2023 (IPAS 2023), with their participation resulting in potential business opportunities valued at RM710.34 million for sales of aerospace products and services as well as hub establishment in Malaysia.
IPAS 2023, held from 19 to 25 June 2023 in Paris, France, attracted a significant number of visitors from global aerospace giants to the Malaysian Pavilion, reaffirming Malaysia’s position as a key player in the Southeast Asian aerospace industry.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) through its agencies Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), National Aerospace Industry Cooperation Malaysia (NAICO Malaysia), and Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia Pavilion served as a dynamic platform for Malaysian aerospace companies to expand their outreach globally and explore high-value strategic partnerships beneficial to advance Malaysia’s economic growth.
The Malaysia Pavilion was inaugurated by the Chief of Airforce, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), YBhg. Jeneral Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, and the Malaysian Ambassador to France, His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Zamruni Khalid.
The pavilion housed 14 Malaysian exhibitors, including notable government agencies such as Invest Selangor Berhad, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA), Pahang State Secretary Incorporated and the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association (MAIA).
During IPAS 2023, a total of 338 business meetings took place between Malaysian companies and international buyers, further cementing Malaysia’s position as an aerospace industry hub in Southeast Asia.
This success was complemented by various events held alongside the exhibition. Particularly, a seminar at the Groupement des industries françaises aéronautiques et spatiales (GIFAS) or the French Aerospace Industries Association International chalet which garnered interest from European companies seeking insights into Malaysia’s sustainability efforts and potential areas of collaboration.
The seminar was organised in collaboration with GIFAS and was moderated Zuhaila Sedek, Trade Commissioner of MATRADE Frankfurt.
A series of meetings were also coordinated for the Malaysian companies with counterparts from France, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. Some examples of the meetings were held with Safran, ASTech Paris Region, German Aerospace Industry Association (BDLI), German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Austrian Economic Chamber (WKO), Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and ADS Group Limited.
Additionally, there were four signing ceremonies held between Malaysian companies and their global partners at the Malaysian Pavilion solidifying more strategic cooperation within the aerospace sector.
YBhg. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, MATRADE’s CEO said the participation in IPAS 2023 was a huge success. He said, “one of the key factors behind the overwhelming response we received is the cohesive narrative showcased by the Malaysia team. As we participated in this prestigious global aerospace event, we effectively highlighted our commitment to ESG values championed through sustainable sourcing practices, our interest in R&D initiatives for commercialisation, potential for collaborative partnerships in Original Equipment Manufacturing, strategic alliances for talent development, and other crucial endeavours for long-term growth as well as to create a more resilient supply chain.”
