Langkawi gears up for defense expo

Langkawi gears up for defense expo

MALAYSIA: Organizers in Kuala Lumpur said on Sunday that Malaysia's defense exhibition was gathering momentum despite some last minute pull-outs amid mounting concerns of an imminent strike by the United States on Afghanistan.

During the six-day Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA 2001) exhibition from Oct. 9 some 30 warships along with pleasure crafts and 96 aircraft would be displayed, they said.

Organizers said despite reduced U.S. participation, some 400 exhibitors from 26 countries are participating in the aerospace segment while some 270 companies are involved in the maritime side.

Among the countries participating in the event are: Australia, Belgium, China, India, Italy, France, Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Switzerland and the U.S. --AFP