KL to host international logistics, transport exhibition

PUTRAJAYA: The inaugural Kuala Lumpur International Logistics and Transport Exhibition (KiLAT) 2020, set for July 8-11 next year, can help boost Malaysia’s profile and image as the leading regional transport industry hub, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook.

Malaysia has the advantages of becoming one of the most advanced regional distribution centres and logistics hubs, given its strategic location along the Straits of Malacca, modern transport and advanced information technology infrastructure, knowledgeable workforce, as well as cost-competitive location, he added.

“These advantages make Malaysia an interesting value proposition for investors to continue making Malaysia their first choice for investment. It is timely for Malaysia to host KiLAT 2020 in line with the country’s National Transport Policy 2019-2030,” he told reporters after the launch of KiLAT 2020 here on Dec 18.

Loke said KiLAT 2020 is expected to attract more than 250 local and foreign exhibitors from over 20 countries, including ASEAN member states and major trading partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Themed “Malaysia-Transportation Gateway in Asia”, he said the event would serve as a platform to attract more companies to establish their base here and make Malaysia their regional distribution hub, as many logistics companies are looking for potential locations for their distribution hub, especially in ASEAN, a big market with a huge population to ensure a fast and efficient distribution process.

Loke said the ministry is in discussions with a couple of foreign companies involved in the port industry to locate in Malaysia, and he hoped the deals will be finalised next year.

“Hope there will be some good news. One or two big companies are talking to us right now and very close to getting them to come. Hopefully, the deals can succeed and augur well for our logistics industry,” he added.

The cost of doing business in Malaysia is rather competitive compared to neighbouring countries, making it one of the advantages in wooing multinational firms to relocate their base here, Loke said, adding that more companies are looking to reduce costs in terms of improving efficiency and competitiveness.

“We will continue to develop our free zone to get more companies to locate in Malaysia, especially during the United States-China trade war. We should fully utilise our current advantages to attract more companies to come,” he said.

Citing the logistics industry as one of the fastest-growing sectors with 4%-5% growth currently, he said Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas are seeing a double-digit growth this year and hopefully, cargo movement in ports could achieve the same growth next year.

On KiLAT 2020, Loke said the event is expected to achieve Malaysia’s objectives to develop the country’s logistics and transportation system through the introduction of its transport expansion policies and mid-term expansion plans, as well as the promotion of Malaysia as an international transportation hub, international trade conduit through lower transportation costs; and Asia’s leading centre for transportation technology and innovation; besides career opportunities.

Co-organised by the Transport Ministry and EP Logistics Exhibition Sdn Bhd, KiLAT 2020 is expected to gather over 25,000 trade visitors, feature a career and education fair and culminate in the presentation of awards that recognise excellence in logistics and transport services, innovations and leadership. – Bernama

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