The Department of Trade Industry and Competition (the dtic) will attend the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 20 to 24 February 2023. [www.idexuae.ae]
Applications are open for companies in the defence sector to participate in the South African Pavilion at the event, the only international trade exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region demonstrating the latest technology in land, sea and air sectors of defence.
IDEX offers a unique platform to establish and strengthen relationships with government departments, businesses and armed forces throughout the region. The 2023 exhibition will encompass an array of defence-related products such as electro-optic and electronic warfare systems, homeland/internal security equipment, humanitarian aid, land vehicles and systems, logistics, and support systems and services, medical and survival equipment, radar systems, sea vehicles and systems, simulation and training systems, weapons and ordinance.
The Middle East has increased its military spending over the past decade, making it a strategic and important market for South Africa’s defence products and services. In addition, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition seeks to support local South African manufacturers through participation at the event and to contribute to a competitive export industry, which is a key focus area of our country’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will offer the following financial support to qualifying firms:
- Exhibition space and booth rental costs.
- Freight-forwarding of display material.
- Air travel assistance up to R20 000 - for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and black owned enterprises (BOEs) only.
- Daily subsistence allowance of R3 500 - SMMEs and BOEs only.
Applications are due by 19 September.