Minister of Defence Dragan Sutanovac has opened the 5th International Fair of defence system and equipment “Partner 2011” that has gathered 90 exhibitors from the country and abroad and representatives of companies from the sector.
Sutanovac on this occasion said that the Serbian defence industry is expanding and is one of the most vital parts of the economy.
He added that the industry with its quality and a range of its products and services is now back to the demanding global market.
He pointed out that the defence industry allows our country, in addition to increasing total export balance, to give support to defence activities of all democratic forces in the world and to respond to modern security challenges and risks.
The Minister pointed out that there is a growing interest in the region for this fair.
Minister of Economy and Regional Development Nebojsa Ciric confirmed that the Serbian defence industry is most vital part of industry, which has strategic importance for the Army of Serbia and greatly reduces foreign export deficit.
Ciric said that the Serbian government will continue to invest in new projects of the defence industry.
The opening of the fair was attended by Serbian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Miloje Miletic, director of Jugoimport SDPR Stevan Nikcevic, representatives of the organisational units of the Ministry of Defence and General Staff, as well as diplomats and accredited envoys.
Sponsor of this year’s “Partner 2011” is the Ministry of Defence while the fair’s promoter is Jugoimport SDPR.
At the event that will last until 1 July, the Serbian defence industry will present a series of new products. Kragujevac factory “Zastava Kamioni” will present a new off-road vehicle, while “Zastava Oruzje” will present a new machine gun.
(Government of Serbia)
