Jordan Times
Monday, March 31, 2008
'Major deals to be signed at
SOFEX’
By Mohammad Ghazal
AMMAN - Major deals between key local, regional and international manufacturers
in the field of special operation forces and homeland security are expected to
be signed at SOFEX 2008.
"We expect that a large number of agreements will result from this year's SOFEX,
especially in light of increased participation from military and government
officials and key decision makers from across the world," SOFEX Managing
Director Amer Tabbah said at a press conference yesterday.
Also on Sunday, HRH Prince Feisal, chairman of the SOFEX board of directors,
followed up on preparations for the event. The Prince attended the training by
Special Operation Forces units on activities to be performed at the inauguration
of the exhibition on Tuesday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Prince Feisal toured the pavilions of the exhibition as did Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs-of-Staff General Khaled Sarayreh, Petra reported.
At the press conference, Tabbah said this year's exhibition surpasses previous
editions in terms of the number of high-profile exhibitors, size of
participation and quality of equipment on display.
He noted that more than 300 exhibitors from 60 countries and more than 300
military officials and government representatives from 55 countries will
participate in the event.
Tabbah said preparations are complete for the inauguration of the event, which
he said will welcome first-time participating countries such as Greece, Finland,
Korea and Slovakia.
The SOFEX site has been expanded to over 60,000 square metres of indoor and
outdoor exhibition space to accommodate the increased number of participants
this year, as well as to enable a greater number of live demonstrations and
mobility displays.
Meanwhile, Tabbah highlighted the “Middle East Special Operations Commanders’
Conference”, which will be inaugurated today. The conference brings together
high-ranking defence officials from North America, western Europe, the Middle
East, Arab states and Asia.
The event, which will focus on how the capabilities of special operation forces
can combat global terrorism, will provide an opportunity for participants from
the global special operations community to exchange views and experiences,
discuss topics on combating terrorism, special forces peacekeeping and homeland
security challenges.
Also yesterday, Director of the Morale Guidance Department Brigadier General
Mohammad Raqqad reviewed the goals of the conference, which receives support
from the Jordan Armed Forces.