Pretoria - Several local companies are participating in the Latin America Aerospace and Defence (LAAD) trade fair, which is underway in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies said LAAD is an excellent platform to promote South African aerospace and defence companies and expose them to export opportunities.
“South African companies have developed highly specialised skills and products to market their expertise and collaborate with other Brazilian companies. The LAAD trade fair will build a consistent presence and image of the South African defence products and services in Latin America and globally,” said Minister Davies.
Eighteen local companies that operate in the aerospace and defence sector are participating in the LAAD, which takes place every two years. The companies received financial support from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme (EMIA).
The Department of Trade and Industry has already assisted hundreds of businesses through the EMIA scheme, which develops export markets for South African products and services and recruits new foreign direct investment into South Africa.
The trade fair brings together international companies that specialise in supplying equipment and services to armed forces, special forces and security services, as well as consultants and government agencies.
South Africa’s participation in the LAAD 2015 trade exhibition resulted in export sales amounting to R15 million. On-the-spot and export sales concluded six months after the exhibition amounted to R253 million.
The trade fair kicked off on Tuesday and will conclude on Friday. – SAnews.gov.za
