Saturday, February 26, 2011

STRONG UK PRESENCE AT IDEX 2011 DEMONSTRATES REGIONAL IMPORTANCE; UK companies make up nearly 10% of IDEX exhibitors



A|D|S, the UK trade organisation advancing aerospace, defence, security and space industries, will be present at IDEX 2011 to continue its promotion of the UK defence and security industry’s interests in the UAE and Middle East.

The Middle Eastern member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are a priority market for the UK aerospace, defence and security industries. Government figures show that 10 per cent, or £1.6bn (US $2.58) worth of UK aerospace and defence international trade was with the Middle East in 2008, creating a positive trade balance of £0.5bn.  

The GCC members are estimated to have a combined defence spending of US$65bn in 2011, with this figure set to grow through to at least 2015, which is at marked contrast to many other traditional UK markets. The requirements of the GCC cover almost the entire catalogue of the UK defence and security industries’ expertise in products and services. 

Rees Ward, CEO of A|D|S, said:

“The UK contingent at IDEX 2011 of nearly 90 organisations clearly demonstrates how seriously the UK defence and security sectors take the region. As well as the household names of BAE Systems, Babcock and Marshall Land Systems, the UK’s SME community is showing real interest in investing in the region.

 “On the UK pavilion, hosted by A|D|S and UKTI DSO, there are over 30 organisations exhibiting the best of British innovation and talent. As an example, we have Astrum, a world leader in design and manufacture of track systems, which is opening facilities in the region, and cutting-edge technologies brought to us through companies like BCB International and RUBB Buildings. Truly IDEX has attracted real interest for the UK.

“The UK has the capabilities to be an effective partner for the GCC member states, and a proven willingness to invest in these markets – and our sizable presence at IDEX2011 shows that we mean business.”

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