SOFEX helped build Jordan’s defence industries of today, says Ahmad Al Taweel, Deputy CEO of the ongoing exhibition and conference.
The event paved the way for Joint Ventures (JVs) between international and local companies to develop the defence sector in Jordan, says Taweel, in an exclusive interview.
Excerpts from the interview:
Could you detail the importance of the Special Operations Forces Exhibition & Conference (SOFEX) locally, regionally and internationally?
Locally, we need to show the delegations and the visitors and our participation – what we have in Jordan – to help them to market themselves. Regionally and internationally, we’ll be the hub to meet between the demander and the supplier. A kind of matchmaking.
When talking about capabilities, are you talking about exhibition organisation or special operations forces?
Both. In this exhibition, we need to show the people about the capability of SOFEX, the capability of organising exhibitions and conferences in the defence and military sectors specialised in special ops. And we are ranked number 1 in the world.
How satisfied are you with the growth of the event since the inaugural edition in 1996?
This edition will be a special one because we moved from Amman to Aqaba. Growth is not measured in the number of exhibitors or space; we match and maintain the number of exhibitors and the space we have. Today, we are talking about the new sectors that are working at SOFEX or participating in the event.
Such as?
Such as cyber security. They are making the matchmaking between the special ops, AI – artificial intelligence – and cyber security; that’s why it’s a special edition. There is growth and we have moved to the next step of a new journey for SOFEX, for another 20 – 24 years.
So, you would say that you are very satisfied with the growth since 1996?
Yes.
Would you like to mention anything about SOFEX’s strategy changes?
The change of strategy of SOFEX is that there is no change. We upgraded. We developed a new strategy to be SOFEX, an exhibition organiser. We are working now with 2-3 new exhibitions in defence and other sectors.
What, in your opinion, has been the contribution of previous editions of SOFEX to the notable growth of Jordan’s domestic defence and security sector?
In terms of security, Jordan is referred to as the country of safety and security. That is why we see developments that are currently happening in Jordan in terms of defence. The growth of the defence industry in Jordan is a result of previous SOFEX exhibitions where we witnessed joint ventures between international and local companies. This helped open up room for innovations.
What are some of the new features and focus of SOFEX 2022?
For this edition of exhibitions, we have introduced new services that help exhibitors. This edition will be new for the sectors and the number of companies that are new . SOFEX 2022 will have new countries, new visitors, and trade visitors.
What’s the difference now with trade visitors?
With the trade visitors, we have invited a number of associations, and not only the delegations from the military side. There is an association that is responsible for purchasing for the defence sector.
So, you brought the decision makers themselves?
Yes.
What about the delegations?
We raised the number of official delegations by adding about 10-15 new countries.
How many countries are participating in the event for the first time?
Six countries. KSA, UAE, Bosnia, Egypt, U.S.A, and Georgia.
How do you think SOFEX will catapult Jordan to a global defence market?
SOFEX is an international hub for the number of countries. We have a big number of delegations attending. We also have the trade visitors and the exhibitors. So, we match supply and demand. The event also helps startups that we are highlighting in this exhibition, They will learn how to form partnerships with international companies and be a part of Jordan’s growing defence industry.
Which are the countries that have the biggest presence at the show?
Jordan is definitely making a strong presence. The biggest pavilion is the U.S. pavilion. UAE has one of the biggest pavilions.
How satisfied are you with the response from sponsors?
We have international sponsors, which is great, and local sponsors. We also have two sponsors from a new sector – cyber security.
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