Two Durban-based KwaZulu-Natal companies are heading to the Middle East in search of export opportunities for their products in the region and beyond. Imperial Armour and Zebra Armour will be part of a group of companies that will be showcasing their products and services at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) that will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 20-24 February 2023.
The participation of the companies has been made possible by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), which will set up a national pavillion in which the South African companies will exhibit their products. This is part of the department’s efforts to provide manufacturing companies with an opportunity to look for markets for their products internationally.
The main objective is to see companies increasing their production and creating more employment after securing deals to export their goods to various markets. In this way they will be able to contribute in increasing the country’s exports and earning the much-needed foreign revenue that will contribute in South Africa’s economic growth.
The Sales Manager of Zebra Armour, Ms Ana Warburg, says she is confident that the trip will be beneficial to her company which is determined to expand its footprint to countries in the Middle East and beyond. The company is already exporting its products, which include personal armour products, such as bullet proof vests, plates and helmets, to Europe, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and South America.
“I will be using the trip to search for new clients and to connect with the old ones in order to reinforce our relations with the aim of increasing our exports. This is a very big and important international trade show in our industry. Potential clients from all over the world attend the fair in their droves and we will take advantage of the opportunity and market our company and products to them,” adds Warburg, whose company provides employment to 150 people.
The Managing Director of Imperial Armour, Ms Louisa Garland, says she will use the trip to meet existing and potential distribution agents from across the globe. Her company, which is employing 28 people, and manufactures specialised personal protection equipment, is already doing business in the UAE as a result of several occasions that she has attended IDEX in the past.
“We are always looking for new markets to increase our international footprint. Participating in IDEX will assist us a great deal as a large number of distributors and buyers descend on the show from all over the world. Our products are already exported to several countries including the UAE, Senegal, Mozambique and Zambia. We would like to add more countries from the Middle East on the list. IDEX is a perfect platform to showcase our products to distributors in the region,” adds Garland.
IDEX is the only international trade show in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region showcasing the latest technologies in land, sea and air sectors of defence. The 15th edition of biennial trade show which was held in 2021, brought together more than 62 000 visitors and 900 exhibitors from almost sixty countries.
Enquiries:
Bongani Lukhele – Director: Media Relations
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Mobile: 079 5083 457
WhatsApp: 074 2998 512
E-mail: BLukhele@thedtic.gov.za
Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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