Main headlines from this issue

Kuwait’s nighttime lecture has obligors shaking heads and nodding off

Contractors summoned to a nightfall offset conference at the premises of the Kuwait Direct Investment Authority encountered more than one bad dream. Some of the 30 to 40 participants were asked to sign a note acknowledging their outstanding obligations. …. KDIPA introduced the new strategy for implementing them.

Obligors end Romanian stand-off with a draw

Rivalry between Romania’s state-owned and private sector defence companies for the execution of offset benefits has ended in stalemate. The offsets are linked to a contract for Aerospike anti-tank missiles. The companies have agreed to implement some of the five separate projects in the private sector. However, Patromil, the defence trade association, believes it has been short-changed.

Japan relaxes rules to lure foreign defence technologies

Japan’s Acquisition Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) will allow entities headed by foreign nationals to apply for subsidies for defence technology research. …. the aim is to further Japanese acquisition of next-generation military technologies from overseas.

Finland confirms IP requirement for battle system

Finland’s Defence Minister, Jussi Niinistö, has confirmed that industrial participation will be integral to the procurement of a battle system for the Finnish Defence Forces’ Logistics Command. A preliminary invitation to tender has been sent to three supplier candidates for the Squadron 2020 project.

South Africa: New Black Economic Empowerment requirements affect obligors - send mining companies diving

South Africa’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission has declared that from June 9th, 2017 the threshold value for major B-BBEE transactions to qualify for registration is R25m ($2m). All major B-BBEE transactions must be registered within fifteen days of being concluded.