Martial Arts, Maritime Defense Export Support... "28 Countries' Naval Generals, Government Officials Invited for Discussions"

'International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition' Held in Busan from 7th to 9th
Over 140 Companies from 12 Countries, Delegations of Over 100 from 28 Countries Attend

The Korea International Trade Association (KITA) announced on the 7th that it will hold the 'International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2023' at BEXCO in Busan. The exhibition will be held for three days from today until the 9th. KITA, the Republic of Korea Navy, Busan Metropolitan City, and the Navy Development Association jointly hosted the event.

Commemorative photo of the opening ceremony of the "International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2023," jointly hosted by the Korea International Trade Association, the Navy, Busan City, and the Navy Development Association over three days from the 7th to the 9th at BEXCO in Busan.
From the second person on the left: Admiral Lee Jong-ho, Chief of Naval Operations; Lee Seong-gwon, Vice Mayor for Economic Affairs of Busan City; and Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association.
[Photo by Korea International Trade Association]

The exhibition has been held biennially since 1999. This year marks the 12th edition. A total of 140 domestic and international defense companies from 12 countries participated, setting up about 560 booths. This is an increase of more than 50% compared to last year's exhibition.

The exhibition invited about 100 naval and marine commanders, overseas naval generals, defense attach?s in Korea, and defense experts from 28 countries. Senior government officials responsible for defense industries from the UK, New Zealand, and other countries also attended. KITA stated, "We will conduct active military diplomacy and substantive defense export discussions at the exhibition."

Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (second from the right), listens to an explanation at a booth of a participating company at MADEX 2023.
[Photo by Korea International Trade Association]

KITA held a 'Maritime Defense Industry Export Consultation' with KOTRA to support the development of export channels and the expansion of overseas buyer networks. Buyers from 10 companies in 7 countries, including Pakistan, Singapore, and Taiwan, attended the consultation, conducting over 50 export consultations with 40 domestic companies. Discussions included the introduction of advanced technologies such as navy respiratory protective gear based on smartwatches and AI-based combat vehicle management systems.

Side events included a commemorative patriotic concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance and a public event showcasing the navy's latest warships.

Jung Manki, Vice Chairman of KITA, said, "Since high-ranking military officials such as generals are both decision-makers and buyers, it is characteristic of defense exports to conduct confidential face-to-face consultations. KITA will continue to invite senior military officials from major countries and increase opportunities for direct communication to actively support the overseas expansion of Korea's defense industry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.