Organized by SSI under the coordination of the Undersecretariat of Defence Industries (SSM), the LAAD Defence Industry Fair and Conference saw the Ostim Defence and Aerospace Cluster and its 10 member companies participate with a "National Pavilion." Together with major Turkish industry firms, they worked intensively to increase and develop Turkey's export capacity. Turkey was represented at the fair, which saw the participation of approximately 700 companies from over seventy countries, by the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Hasan Kemal YARDIMCI.
OSSA hosted the Romanian Minister of Economy, Trade and Tourism, Mr. Sorin ENCUTESCU, at its booth. Minister ENCUTESCU congratulated OSSA for its detailed and clear presentation of the companies' capabilities within OSSA's capabilities matrix. OSSA Cluster Coordinator Hilal ÜNAL was invited to Romania by the Romanian Minister to explain the cluster's activities. OSSA also hosted the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Mr. Hasan Kemal YARDIMCI, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASELSAN and Head of the Naval Vessels Department of the Undersecretariat of Defense Industries, Mr. Mustafa Murat ŞEKER, and the Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Undersecretariat of Defense Industries, Mr. Abdullah Erol AYDIN, at its booth; OSSA presented the cluster's activities and the capabilities of its 155 member companies.
OSSA participated in the LAAD Defence Industry Fair, held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from April 14-17, 2015. The participation aimed to connect with international suppliers and buyers at this strategically important fair for South and North America; observe the latest technology in the defense, land, sea, and air sectors; and establish relationships and strengthen collaborations with armed forces throughout the region. Prior to the fair, OSSA conducted preliminary meetings and market research, ensuring a more effective experience by hosting a pre-fair dinner for leading Brazilian companies. The meetings and connections made during the dinner helped SMEs chart their course for the Brazilian market. OSSA, having initiated preliminary discussions with the Brazilian Aerospace Cluster, Helibras, and Embraer before the fair, furthered its collaborative efforts during the event.
LAAD, the Brazilian Defense and Security Exhibition, offers opportunities to meet with the Brazilian armed forces as well as regional buyers such as Colombia, Chile, and Peru. LAAD provides an opportunity to access the markets of Brazil, with its population exceeding 200 million, and neighboring countries.
