Malaysia will again be strongly represented at the 7th International Auto Aftermarket Expo (IAAE) 2008 to be held in Tokyo on March 13-15, reported Bernama. National carmaker Proton and 13 automotive component & accessories manufacturers from Malaysia are participating in this year's event under a cooperative arrangement between Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) and Malaysia External Trade Corporation (Matrade). Proton is expected to exhibit the Persona at the event, according to a Jetro official here. Last year, Proton brought the Proton Gen2 and Satria Neo models, the first time it had taken a complete car to Japan. The Jetro-Matrade cooperation is part of the programme under the Malaysia-Japan Automotive Cooperation pact aimed at helping to lift the capability of Malaysian auto component parts manufacturers to be on par with their Japanese counterparts by 2015. The cooperation is in line with the accord reached between the Japanese and Malaysian governments under the Japan-Malaysia Economic Partnership Agreement that went into effect on July 13, 2006. The programme for the Malaysian delegation includes factory visits to expose them to the automotive component manufacturing sector in Japan and also its market. A Malaysian Auto Industry Seminar will be held on March 13 to provide an insight to the Malaysian automotive component industry. Exhibiting the Persona at the expo is aimed at showcasing the capability of Malaysian component manufacturers. Last year, 10 Malaysian automotive component manufacturers and Proton participated in the IAAE. According to a report by Jetro, participating Malaysian companies concluded potential or actual deals valued at US$1.27 million (US$1=RM3.16) at last year's expo. They also conducted 380 business meetings, according to the report, which said that since last year's Jetro-Matrade collaboration had surpassed the initial expectations, this arrangement will be continued for several more years. IAAE 2007 featured displays by 261 leading foreign and Japanese companies, attracting 38,000 visitors from automotive parts manufacturers, accessories manufacturers, trading companies and other organizations.
