A Successful Conclusion for the Second Edition of the International Fair of Defence and Security – Albanian Military Exhibition, organized by Klik Ekspo Group.
ALMEX 2011, the Albanian Fair Consolidated in the Balkans
The Second Edition of the International Fair of Defence and Security – “Albanian Military Exhibition”, organized by Klik Ekspo Group (organized during 26-27-28 October 2011) was a true success in many aspects.
This joint show of the armament and security industry, central institutions of the state for national security, specialized visitors, and official delegations from participating countries and of the interested public – conveyed an interest that involved the whole of the Albanian capital.It was this energy conveyed by all these actors that made up ALMEX 2011 – the International Fair of Defence and Security, an event which has since established itself in the defence and security field.
Through ALMEX 2011 – Klik Ekspo Group was able to generate exposureand communication energy for a sector focused on the Today and the Tomorrow of the defense and security, gradually from one edition to the next. In the previous edition, one year earlier, besides the exposure of the current national and global armament, visitors were also able to enjoy through nostalgia the military infrastructure that for more than four decades was the Communist pride against an imaginary enemy. The organizers of Klik Ekspo Group made it possible for our nationals to view and trouch, may be for the last time, Soviet and Chinese armament, even those produced in Albania, thus making transparent the least known aspects of the history of Albania, offering to local and foreign visitors objects which up till that day belonged only to their imagination.
At the closing of this edition, the President of the organizers of Klik Ekspo Group, Mr. Luan Muhametaj said: “I think, ALMEX 2011 showed a concrete progress, where, the Today and the Tomorrow of the Armed Forces and of the other Security agencies, came as an opportunity reachable by all. ALMEX 2011, or the Second Edition of the International Fair of Defence and Security, was able to achieve its objectives as an event, which besides the promotionof the modernizationof our Armed Forces, as a fully recognized member of the NATO member states, to promote even other Security institutions of our country”. Klik Ekspo Group and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Albania, in close cooperation where able to bring to the Albanian and international public the main achievements of the reformation and transformation of the Armed Forces, its perspective and modernisation programs in the framework of its membership in the largest military alliance in the world – NATO.
The doors of ALMEX 2011 where opened by the Minister of Defence of the Albanian Republic, Mr. Arben Imami and the Chief Staff of the Armed Forces General Bregadier Xhemal Gjunkshi. During their visit through the various pavilions and stands of the participating countries and companies, Mr. Imami thanked the organizers for the opportunity of cooperation afforded to the Armed Forces with the participating businesses. “This Fair aims to introduce the Albanian Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defense and the other Security institutions in the country, under the light of the modernization processes, the advancements of technology and to the expectations for our Forces with regard to the territorial and collective function of defense and security”, minister Imami said.
Poland and France were among the countries with an impressive presence at the Tirana fair. The International Fair of Defence and Security was able to introduce the international military industry to Albania, in a market which is at its first steps, but that reflects much vitality nonetheless. The advanced technology of military productions by various foreign companies showcased in the fair opened the way for cooperation and communication opportunities with the state authorities and companies not only from the Balkans, but also from other countries well known in this industry such as Italy, France, Israel and Greece. Present at the fair were not only representative companies from these countries, but also from those who felt their competition. The specialized visitor, very characteristic of this fair that truly represents the main column, and orienct the whole progress of this eveniment, with the presented form of communication, gave a life breath to the professional life of this sector. The presence of companies and official delegations from countries such as France, Poland, Croatia and Romania for the the second year consecutive is a reflection of the clear goals that these countries want to have stronger position in the Albanian market.
Mate Raboteg, Croatian State Secretary of Defence, who participated during the whole fair, regarded the Armed Forces of Albania among its major partners in the region. “The vehicle which has been brough itn by one of the Croatian companies to ALMEX 2011, is an indicator that this international fair is one of the most serios in the region. We have brough a vehicle which is amongs the most modern being used for the transportation of Croate infantry”, Raboteg said.
All participating companies featured their most advanced technological offerings for security and defence. Armored vehichles, various guns, uniforms and munitions where among the most familiar elements of this fair. Visitors of the fair were able to enjoy unique stands at the Fair inside the National Museu of History. Right at the entrance of the fair visitors where able to view the latest production of the French company Renault Trucks Defence or the Croatian/Finish Duro Dakovic. With almost 100 years of experience, RENAULT Trucks Defence specialized in the construction of armored vehicles capable for us in defence and quick movement usable by the army for the transportation of the infantry, equipment and the monting of various armaments. MAG FORCE INTERNATIONAL, by maintaining the originality and wishes of its customers, offered pruducts for the civil and military defence. Based on a history that started in the 17th century Nexter brought forth its best values with completely unique products. With over 2,700 employees and about 1.1 billion Euro in sales and about 600 million ordered sales ranks as one of Europe’s production giants. This company has 9 production sites in France and is present in over 100 countries. The various systems, electric equipment, guns of different calibers, munitions, machines and vehicles make up the different sectors where Nexter operates. SAFRAN ALEAT presented its success in Albania through the production of identity cards form biometric passports which reflect contemporary standars of public and national security for Albania. An important pavilion was that of Poland. They were presented with modern heavy productions through AMZ – Kurno Sp.z o.o., POJAZDY SPECJALISTYCNE, etj. Another major group of companies was presented under the Bumar sp. Z o.o. logo. This grou is one of the intermediaries and major suppliers in the military sector in Poland and about 40 other countries in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and United States of America. For those passionate in the tradition of guns, there was a great stand with tends of different guns produced by one of the best known Italian companies – Beretta.
The Ministry of Defence of Albania, through the reintroduction of the licensing and monitoring entity for businesses involved in imports and exports, presented the standards of the way how this market should be built and function in our country. The high level representation from the State Export Control Authority (AKSHE) was another indicator of the importance of this event for our new market. AKSHE is a central institution whose object of activity is the state control upon import, export, transit, transfer and brokering of military and dual-use goods. Also, at ALMEX 2011 there were official representatives from Defence Ministries from the regional market, top representative of Stafs of the Armed Forces of the region, delegations from the Defence Ministries of France, Germany which gave a new dimention to this event. ALMEX 2011 created new opportunities in the market for private security agencies, which wre interested in the purchase of security and defence products. Likewise, foreign and local companies showcased security and protection systems for civilians and institutions.
This was ALMEX 2011, an objective focused on the current and an antenna that will try to perceive the future development of our security.
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