MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2018, KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) launched one of its iconic trade events Kuala Lumpur International Aerospace Business Convention (KLIABC) today, marking yet another significant event for MATRADE in celebrating its 25th year Anniversary. The event is specifically focused on the aerospace industry – an area Malaysia is fast gaining traction on.

The KLIABC 2018, also the third edition of the event, was launched by Minister II of International Trade & Industry (MITI), YB Dato’ Seri Ong Ka Chuan. The event will be held from 2nd – 4th October 2018 at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur.

KLIABC was incepted in 2015 with the aim of linking Malaysian companies in the aerospace industry with potential partners from around the globe. Considered one of the key aerospace events in South East Asia, the KLIABC is an avenue to enhance Malaysian companies’ inclusion in the global supply chain. The event will gather 170 organisations from 20 countries who comprise decision makers and renowned aerospace players who are seeking Malaysian expertise in the aerospace industry particularly in sectors such as parts & components manufacturing, engineering & design services, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) as well as systems integration & maintenance.

According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer Ir. Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, the KLIABC, is a cost-effective platform for local companies especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to connect and network with potential trade partners to strengthen their footprint overseas and secure their position in the global supply chain.

“The event is part of MATRADE’s continuous effort to facilitate Malaysian companies to enhance their presence globally. With the current rapid growth of the air transportation industry locally as well as globally, there are plenty of opportunities for them to leverage on,” he said.

“The Malaysian aerospace industry, while relatively new in comparison to the United States (US) or the European countries, is seen by the Government as a strategic industry with a huge potential to promote the country’s industrialisation and technological developments. There are many opportunities in manufacturing of aircraft parts and components; manufacture or assembly base for light aircraft and corporate planes; MRO activities for aircraft, engine and component; and engineering services activities too,” Dr. Mohd Shahreen added.

The main highlights of the KLIABC 2018 will be a one-day high level conference to be held on the first day of the event and a series of Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings throughout the remaining two days. The conference will feature speakers from world’s top airlines, Original Equipment Manufacturers and the MRO sector.

In 2017, Malaysia’s exports of aerospace parts and components recorded an increase of 53.4 per cent to RM8.49 billion compared to RM5.53 billion in 2016. Most of the products were mainly exported to Indonesia, Singapore, the US, the United Kingdom and China. Meanwhile, imports increased by 18.7 per cent to RM14.18 billion as compared to RM11.94 billion in 2016. Malaysia’s major import sources in 2016 were primarily from France, the US, the Netherlands, China and Singapore.

In the previous edition, KLIABC 2016, the event recorded a total of 2,600 B2B meetings and has generated total sales of RM150 million. Among the participating major players participated at the event were Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, DRB Hicom, Strand Aerospace Malaysia, Airbus Group, Rolls Royce, Honeywell Aerospace, Safran France, Ruag Aviation, Triumph Aerostructure, Fly Dubai, Garuda Indonesia, China Eastern Airlines, Etihad Airlines Engineering and GIFAS (French Aerospace Industries Association).

With the introduction of Malaysia Aerospace Blueprint 2030 by the Malaysian Government, Malaysia is set to be a major player in the Aerospace sector in the Asia Pacific region. Among the strategies outlined in the Blueprint are to capture new markets and strengthening local supply chain, taking into examples main players such as Mexico and Morocco, who are both regarded as the global hubs for North America and Europe respectively.

MATRADE urges Malaysian aerospace companies to take part in the KLIABC 2018. Interested companies may contact Mr. Mohd Shahrolnizam Mohd Shah (Tel: 03-6207 7533 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mr. Azman Md Yusof (Tel: 03-6207 7537 / e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more details.