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Brazil's Vice-President and Minister of Defense, José Alencar, claimed yesterday that Brazilian companies that produce defense equipment and technology need to be more competitive domestically and internationally.
According to Alencar, the sector's exports, which once attained US$ 2 billion, presently do not exceed US$ 400 million.
Alencar, who was in Rio de Janeiro to open the 5th edition of the Latin American Aero and Defense Exposition (LAAD 2005), recalled that the national policy for the defense industry is intended to encourage competitiveness among firms and reduce market distortions.
"There will be no shortage of funds, and the incentives will be substantial, reaching all the industries that are engaged in the project."
Alencar called for the diminution of external dependence upon products considered strategic for the country. In his view, despite the traditional pacifism of the Brazilian character, mastery of new technologies in the sector represents a guarantee of sovereignty.
The LAAD 2005 is regarded as the most important event for the Armed Forces and defense industries of Latin America.
This year, approximately 50 official delegations from various countries will participate in the event, as well as 300 companies that have come from 24 countries to exhibit their products. The LAAD 2005 ends on Friday, April 29.
Agência Brasil
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