MAJOR INVESTMENTS EXPECTED FROM FRENCH AEROSPACE COMPANIES

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Several major investments from French
companies are expected to come into the Malaysian aerospace industry this year,
including in the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector.

Declining to disclose details of the companies or the investment amount
involved, Senior Director of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority
(MIDA) Azman Mahmud said announcements would be made by both MIDA and the
respective companies soon.

He said this to Malaysian journalists covering the participation of Malaysia
Airlines at the recently concluded 49th International Paris Air Show 2011.

During the high profile event, MIDA together with the Malaysian
Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), and in collaboration with
the Association of French Aerospace Industry (GIFAS), conducted an industry
dialogue outlining the investment and business opportunities Malaysia offered in
the aerospace industry.

The dialogue, part of a Specific Project Mission on aerospace industry, led
by Azman, was among the many initiatives undertaken by the government to promote
Malaysia's high-income agenda through high technology industry sector.

Describing it as a successful mission, Azman said the dialogue attracted 61
high-profile companies including French aerospace companies Safran Group,
EADS and Dassault Aviation.

Apart from the firm investment plans, several companies have indicated their
interest to set up business in Malaysia in the services and manufacturing
sector.

"The capabilities of companies like CTRM (Composite Technology Research
Malaysia Sdn Bhd) was also presented at the event, besides the incentives and
opportunities available to investors.

"There is a lot more to be done with the French companies," he said, adding
that follow up meetings to the Paris session would be held.

Some of the Paris Air Show atteendes are also expected to visit Malaysia
closer to the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) event.

MIDA is aiming to garner RM83 billion (US$27.66 billion) investments this
year.

Meanwhile, during a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Embassy in Paris,
Malaysian Ambassador to France Abdul Aziz Zainal called on French companies to
combine forces when investing in Malaysia.

He said the various government initiatives from the Government
Transformation Programme to the Economic Transformation Programme offered a
myriad of opportunities and incentives for foreign companies investing in
Malaysia especially in the high-technology sector.
-- BERNAMA