Photo: Velvyslanectví České republiky v Pretorii

Successful Representation of Czech Delegation at South African AAD 2018

01.10.2018 / 17:58 | Aktualizováno: 26.11.2019 / 10:50

(This article expired 31.01.2021 / 01:00.)

Delegation of eleven Czech aerospace and defence related companies, led by Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Pavel Beran, successfully represented Czech Republic at the occasion of Africa Aerospace and Defence 2018 fair (AAD) held at Waterkloof Air Force base, Pretoria – South Africa, between the 19th-23rd September 2018. Czech representation consisted of various companies from across the Czech aerospace and defence industry covering arms manufacturing, surveillance systems, army equipment, turbo jet engines, heavy duty trucks and many more. Namely it was CZUB, ERA, EVPU Defence, JISR, Excalibur International, Excalibur Army, LOM Praha Trade, Meopta, REDO, PBS Velká Bíteš and TATRA Trucks.

AAD is traditionally far-reaching event, the biggest of its kind and importance in Africa, abundant in international attendance which draws attention of tens of thousands of visitors every two years. The Czech Republic was successfully represented by the delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Pavel Beran, consisted of various companies from across the Czech aerospace and defence industry covering arms manufacturing, surveillance systems, army equipment, turbo jet engines, heavy duty trucks and many more. Namely it was CZUB, ERA, EVPU Defence, JISR, Excalibur International, Excalibur Army, LOM Praha Trade, Meopta, REDO, PBS Velká Bíteš and TATRA Trucks.

Czech delegation was honoured by the visit to the Czech Pavilion of South African Defence Minister, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Ngakula, accompanied by SADF commander, Lieutenant General Lindile Yam. Highly appreciated was the warm reception from Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa, Mr Kebby Emmanuel Maphotsoe, and from the Chief of Air Force of South Africa, Mr Fabian Zimpande "Zakes" Msimang. Czech businessmen met major South African companies such as AMRSCOR, Paramount Group and DENEL, therefore, established great foundation of fruitful future cooperation between South Africa and the Czech Republic. Furthermore, the delegation officially received at the Czech Pavilion high level representatives of Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Swaziland.

Czech Pavilion on area of 100m²provided high-quality environment for all the participants and was popular not only because of Czechvar beer on tap, proudly provided by Czech brewery Budvar. "Highlights of the Czech Defence Industry" seminar, scheduled part of trade fair program, opened by Czech Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Pavel Beran, formally introduced Czech companies, their products and Czech defence industry as such.

Despite demanding schedule, Czech delegation was extremely pleased with established contacts and deepened cooperation with local partners and referred to AAD 2018 as exceptionally successful as you can verify in Video clip about the Czech participation in AAD2018.

Information materials for your free download:

Author: Viktor Dolista, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Pretoria