Asian giants eye Mideast defence deals

Abu Dhabi: South Korea is participating with 16 companies in Idex this year, occupying 662 square metres of exhibition space.

"In 2005 we had only 12 companies with 258 square meters of exhibiting space, as we think that the Middle East is a very important market," Geon-Jae Lee, director of international project team at the Korea Defence Industry Association said.

There are about 86 companies in the field of Defence systems production in Korea, and the country seeks to expand its international presence in the field.

"Our total exports exceed $300 billion, while our defence products account only for $250 million of that," he said.

The Korean companies signed a contract with the UAE armed forces amounting to $5 million, related to infrastructure protection.

"We also have a big delegation going to Saudi Arabia after Idex is through," he added.

Meanwhile, China is also seeking to expand its defence exports to the Middle East with five state owned enterprises participating in Idex this year.

"Our main markets are in South Asia, but now we are seeking to expand to this region as well," commented Cao Wensu, vice president of China Xinshidai Company.