Main headlines from this issue

Six contracts with armed forces mark revival of Philippines countertrade programme

Countertrade is undergoing a significant revival in the Philippines following several years of stagnation. The Philippines International Trading Corporation (PITC) is supporting a number of countertrade contracts for military accounts, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Police. 

India’s ‘National Offset Policy’ breaks for general election

India’s general election, which lasts for one month from April 16, has already claimed a casualty: the country’s national offset policy. R. Gopalan, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, and the policy’s principal architect, has informed CTO that …

Ernst & Young and Assocham predict favourable outcome for India’s defence offset policy

India’s defence offset policy is expected to bring in $10bn during the 11th five-year plan, a joint statement by Ernst & Young and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) predicts. 

Bell rings for Taiwan’s commercial offset programme

Taiwan is about to surrender its exemption under the WTO’s Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). This allows Taiwan to demand industrial benefits for purchases made for the rolling stock industry and for power projects. 

Regrets, he’s had a few – Now it’s fast forward for Brazil’s technology transfer revolution

Brazil’s Defence Minister, Nelson Jobim, re-stated a wish expressed many times of late…... Brazil has been slow to develop its defence industry, he acknowledged, and the government is now taking measures to catch up.