PUTRAJAYA: It will be a 'no-show' for Russia, Belarus and Ukraine at the forthcoming Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022.
The reasons are very obvious, said the event organiser, referring to the on-going Russian conflict with Ukraine.
Both Russia and its ally Belarus are facing strict economic sanctions by the United States and European Union countries, while Ukraine is under 'attack'.
DSA Exhibition and Conference Sdn Bhd executive director Nadzeem Abdul Rahman told the New Straits Times that the three countries had indicated their non-participation for the 17th DSA 2022, and the concurrent 2nd 'National Security Asia 2022' (Natsec Asia 2022).
Both events – fully backed by the Malaysian government - are scheduled for March 28-31 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Dutamas, concluding just ahead as Malaysia enters into the Covid-19 endemic stage on April 1.
Both biennial events were scrapped for 2020, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"All three countries had initially shown interest in taking part but the recent turn of events has put paid their participation.
"Also giving both the events a miss are South Africa and Australia, for varying other reasons. In 2008, Iran - which had one of the largest pavilions on display - caused a ripple during DSA when it was suddenly ejected from the exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre, owing to similar trade sanctions initiated by the United States.
"Nevertheless, we have the full and strong support from 20 other nations showcasing their products and services at country group pavilions," he said.
The confirmed countries for group pavilions are hosts Malaysia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkiye, United Kingdom and the United States.
These, he said, were part of the 1,170 companies from 54 countries, occupying 38,000 square metres of exhibition space.
"They will display the world's sophisticated hardware and electronic warfare in land, air, sea and cyber domain.
"These will include border protection, citizen identification, artificial intelligence, battlefield healthcare products and technology, training and simulation systems, police and homeland security peripherals and critical assets protection systems," he said.
Nadzeem said Turkiye would be the largest overseas participant, coming strong with an additional 30 per cent from its defence and security industries.
"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic's setback, we have managed to attract trade visitors and participants who are from a high-network bracket, with big spending power.
"These nations and companies will be able to stimulate Malaysia's economy by as much as a RM500 million spinoff – for the airlines, hotels, suppliers, logistics agents, transport players, food and beverage industry and tourism," he said, adding that both events had churned RM800 million spinoffs for the previous editions in 2018 before the Covid-19 struck.
Calling it the biggest show for the country this year, Nadzeem hoped both DSA 2022 and Natsec Asia 2022 would be a catalyst to spur local industries to move ahead, after suffering an economic beating the last two years.
"Other countries have already gone on an upbeat mode by opening up their borders and hosting mega international events.
"Likewise, we need to move forward to stimulate our local economy, too," he said.
Nadzeem expects 4,800 international visitors for both events, comprising experts, exhibitors, delegates, government officials, captains of industries and foreign journalists.
"They will be joined by around 20,000 local visitors, too - for the ecology of business events, conferences, forums, contract signings, industry talks, business matchings and demonstrations.
"As per the government directive, we will continue to strictly observe and comply with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures under the safe exhibition
bubble, for the entire duration of the events.
"This is to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved," said Nadzeem.