Direct Flight To Malaysia Fuels Opportunities For NT

Arafura Games, tourism, trade and investment dominated the schedule of the Leader of the Opposition, Delia Lawrie, in Kuala Lumpur this week.
Ms Lawrie met with executive management of Malaysia Airlines to discuss the opening of direct flights from Darwin to Kuala Lumpur last month.

"The availability of a full service airline gives us the chance to promote business to business links," Ms Lawrie said.

"There are also opportunities for tourism for Darwin and our Asian neighbours off the back of this air link.

"Kuala Lumpur offers great tourism products for Territory travellers and is a vibrant gateway hub for further international travel.

"Darwin can also use its unique tourism experiences and proximity to Asia to entice travellers to enter the country via Darwin for their Australian holiday."

These issues were canvassed in discussions with Malaysian Airlines and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture who look forward to welcoming Territorians during Visit Malaysia 2014, which launches on 5 January.

The Territory's growing oil and gas industry and the potential property investment opportunities were canvassed with the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Dialog oil and gas company.

"The Territory has the opportunity to learn form the experienced Malaysian oil and gas industry in the areas of service and supply," Ms Lawrie said.

"We share global operators which may offer the potential for future partnerships."

Ms Lawrie also met with the Malaysian Ministry of Youth and Sport to discuss the axed Arafura games.

"The Ministry of Youth and Sport share my disappointment with the cancellation of the Arafura Games this year, and were enthusiastic to see the games return," Ms Lawrie said.

"The Arafura Games gave talented sports people the chance to compete and further launch competitive careers.

"Without the Arafura Games the athletes at this level have lost an opportunity to compete with their Australian and Asian contemporaries in a friendly games environment.

"Malaysia looks to Australia to model their sporting programs in school, with health and fitness becoming a priority for government.

"It is important to continue and build the sporting relationship Darwin holds with Malaysia."

Sourced: etravelblockboardasian