Tasmanian defence companies are strengthening their foothold in Southeast Asian markets following successful participation at Malaysia’s premier maritime and aerospace exhibition.
The Tasmanian contingent at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition has already secured promising business outcomes as part of the state government’s latest international trade mission to Malaysia and Thailand.
Small Business Minister Jane Howlett, who represented the Tasmanian Government at the event, said the mission has been a significant achievement for the state.
“The trade mission is already delivering results with Pivot Maritime signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysian defence contractor AR Eastern to pursue significant projects for the Royal Malaysian Navy,” Howlett said.
Pivot Maritime, described as Australia’s only designer and manufacturer of maritime simulators, was one of three Tasmanian manufacturers supported to attend the exhibition.
“Pivot Maritime … is already supplying navies and civilian operations around the world, including world-first large-scale container simulators for the Royal Australian Navy in Darwin,” Howlett said.
The other Tasmanian firms making an impression were Lightning Protection International and Novaris, both reportedly attracting “significant attention” from potential buyers for their lightning protection systems.
According to Howlett, Tasmania’s participation has generated sales enquiries and valuable connections in Malaysia, including with the Maritime University of Malaysia and representatives from Southern and South East Asia.
Beyond defence capabilities, the delegation also promoted Tasmania’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, science, technology, agribusiness, mining, minerals, energy and tourism.
