Int'l defense exhibition kicks off in Bulgaria

The 12th biennial international defense, anti-terrorism and security exhibition "Hemus 2016" began here on Wednesday, enabling official delegations from 21 countries including China to see possible solutions for their armies.

As many as 63 companies from 10 countries such as France, Germany, Israel, Sweden and Poland, showcased the best in the industry, from mine reconnaissance systems and jet fighters, to anti-aircraft missiles and thermal imaging devices.

Moreover, for the first time ever, a Chinese company, Tianjin Myway International Trading Co. Ltd., which supplies logistic products like camouflage uniforms and boots, participated in this exhibition.

Meanwhile, the eighth international science conference "Scientific research: A key factor for new defense capabilities acquisition" and a meeting of the NATO's Ammunition Support Partnership Committee will be held within the exhibition.

Bulgarian Defense Minister Nikolay Nenchev said at the opening ceremony that the exhibition had established itself as an important platform for sharing experiences, information, and ideas in the field of defense and security.

This edition of the exhibition in particular drew attention to the development of new defense capabilities, successful implementation of the projects for modernization, and the acquisition of new models of weapons and equipment, Nenchev said.

Later on, at the booth of the Chinese company, while answering a question about possible ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, Nenchev said China could invest and produce in Bulgaria.

In this way, Chinese companies would be able to reach any point in the European and Atlantic market, enjoying the fact that Bulgaria is a member of NATO and the European Union, Nenchev said. Endit