MAIN HEADLINES FROM THIS ISSUE:

• Norway says Lichtenstein vetoed decision to transpose defence directive; Lichtenstein denies accusation

  Norway believes that Liechtenstein blocked its implementation of the defence directive at a recent meeting of members of the European Economic Area. The corollary is that Norway’s offset policy remains in play.

• South Africa: localisation programmes and ‘BEE’ essential for new nuclear power plants

  Nuclear companies seeking to sell their reactor designs to South Africa should ensure that they offer localisation programmes incorporating black economic empowerment (BEE).

• Indonesia’s Law On The Defence Industry places obstacles in industrial participation

  The new law obliges the government to prioritize the domestic industry in arms procurement. For foreign contractors, partnership with industry will be imperative but a lack of policy guidelines makes a cautious approach crucial.

• Portugal’s transposition of the directive was incomplete – receives warning

  Portugal has only put part of the required provisions in place. The EC has given Portugal two months to put an end to the violation.

• New Brazilian law regulates partnerships and technology transfers

  The new regulations are meant to oblige foreign companies interested in bidding to build plants in Brazil or commit to the transfer of technology to Brazilian counterparts.