Delegations build business at Idex 2009

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Idex 2009 opened yesterday and will continue until February 26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The exhibition, which is organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, brings together key decision makers from governments, military and the defence industry.

Representatives of the international delegations include defence ministers, chiefs-of-staff and other senior government officials from around the world. As one of the biggest and most important events for the global defence industry, Idex 2009 gives delegations the ability to assess the wide range of defense equipment and technology displayed by exhibiting companies. With so many decision makers in one place, countries also have the perfect platform to present their own products to overseas buyers and new markets.

The show therefore, provides an enormous boost for global business putting new products in front of a global audience and acts to cement relationships between countries. Idex is widely regarded as essential for business among delegations.

Adam Thomas, Spokesman for the British delegation, agrees that "Idex is one of the most important defence shows in the world." He said, "It provides a great opportunity for the UK because it allows us to show our equipment to new markets and for senior staff to discuss security requirements globally while listening to our friends in the UAE."

"We see delegations as a vital element of this exhibition, and want to interact with as many other countries as possible. If you aren't here, you don't get to engage, and being present is extremely important for us," he added.

Meanwhile, Herve Morin, the French Defence Minister, sees Idex 2009 as essential for promoting relations in the Middle East. "France has played a leading role in this sensitive region," he said during a media briefing held on the opening day of Idex. "We want to work in cooperation and in partnership with Gulf countries so that we can create a strong future for France and this region."

"We are currently updating our defence trade agreements with other countries in the Middle East," he added.

This year, the UAE hosts the largest national pavilion at the show, with 89 companies taking up 10,517 sq-m of exhibition space. Other large national pavilions at Idex 2009 include Germany, with 57 companies and 3,280 sq-m of space, the United States, (44 companies, 2,381 sq-m), Turkey (39 companies, 2,214 sq-m), Italy (35 companies, 1,472 sq-m) and France (44 companies, 1,256 sq-m).