Brown meets Pakistan Defence Production Minister

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Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown is in Pakistan drumming up business for the South African defence industry, particularly the Denel group.

She said after meeting with that country’s Defence Production Minister, Rana Tanveer Hussain, a memorandum of understanding on defence and industrial co-operation signed earlier this year would provide “a good platform for increased co-operation”. The MOU was entered into on behalf of South Africa by Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, in March when she visited Pakistan accompanied by a delegation from the SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD).
“We must come up with a concrete plan on how best we can explore all possible areas of co-operation in the defence industry for the benefit of our countries,” she told a media briefing following her meeting.
“Partnerships will enable both countries to share experiences and transfer technology as well as know-how,” Brown said.

Following the March visit by the defence minister and AMD, that association’s executive director, Simphiwe Hamilton, said it was premature to speculate on specific products, systems or services that could be beneficial to both countries.
“Suffice it to say the SA defence industry has several unique capabilities we would want Pakistan to consider. We also remain committed to past obligations as well as future prospects in Pakistan.”

Zwelakhe Ntshepe, recently confirmed as chief executive of the state-owned Denel defence and technology conglomerate, is accompanied Minister Brown in Pakistan. They also visited “strategic sites” in Pakistan, with which South Africa currently has bilateral trade valued at R8 billion. It was R2,5 billion last year.