The 2011 edition of International Defence Exhibition & Conference (Idex) to held in Abu Dhabi next year has registered a 12 per cent growth in exhibit space dedicated to country pavilions.

Idex 2011 and Navdex (Naval Defence Exhibition) 2011 will be held in parallel at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from February 20 to 24, 2011 under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

Ukraine and China have boosted the size of their country pavilions by 53 per cent and 77 per cent respectively.  In addition South Africa has expanded its pavilion by 46 per cent, Bulgaria by 38 per cent, Austria 35 per cent, the US 28 per cent.

Canada and Belarus will also host country pavilions for the first time at Idex 2011.

Returning again, Germany, the US, Turkey, Italy and France continue to occupy the largest country pavilion spaces. In all, Idex 2011 will receive a total of 31 country pavilions, taking up over 50 per cent of the floor space available at Idex 2011.

“We are delighted with the response to Idex’s upcoming 10th anniversary. The show has gradually increased in size and significance over the years and this time several country pavilions have expanded their presence,” said Mohamed Al Mashgouni, Idex 2011 show director.

“This increasing interest and expansion bodes well for potential business deals to take place at the event in February,” he added.

Other confirmed country pavilions at Idex and Navdex 2011 include: Korea, Russia, Pakistan, Sweden, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Czech Republic, Spain, Slovak Republic, Portugal, Finland, Poland, Serbia, Switzerland, Croatia and Greece.

In total, more than 50 countries from across the world are expected to be represented by exhibitors at next year’s Idex and Navdex exhibitions.

The UAE is set to mount a strong presence with leading companies such as Tawazun, Mubadala Development Company, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Abu Dhabi Mar, International Golden Group (IGG), Emirate Advanced Investment, TRA and Bin Jabr Group planning to showcase the latest innovative defence technology and equipment.

Organised by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company in association with the UAE Armed Forces GHQ at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Idex 2011 is expected to welcome over 900 exhibitors, and international visitors in excess of 50,000 people.

The exhibitions will showcase the latest defence equipment and services for land, sea and airborne systems. - TradeArabia News Service