Chinese aerospace companies seek to explore LatAm market

MEXICO CITY — Chinese aerospace companies have been increasing their participation in the global market and their next destination is Latin America.

During the ongoing Mexico Aerospace Fair held at the Santa Lucia Air Base close to the Mexican capital, Chinese companies participated in the event for the first time with their advanced technologies and equipment.

Entering the main venue of the fair, visitors and participants can see a model of the second generation of Wing-Loong, China-developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which had just had a successful maiden flight in the spring in 2017.

The Wing-Loong II marks China's new generation of UAV, which combines the dual capabilities of reconnaissance and strike, said Liu Yu, vice president of China National Aero-technology Import and Export Corporation, an affiliate of state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China.

"Taking consideration of the great demand of UAVs in Mexico and the whole Latin American region, we have brought with us to the exhibition unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which are gaining a reputation at home and abroad with products such as the Wing-Loong series," said Liu.

"Our main purpose here is to showcase China's advanced technology and products to clients from potential market of Latin America," said Pan Zhenggang, deputy president of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC).

The booming aerospace and defence industry in Latin America has provided great opportunities for companies worldwide.

Taking Mexico for example, Mexico has become a major supplier nation of aerospace products and the third largest destination of foreign direct investment in the aerospace and defense industry next to the US and the UK, said Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto at the opening ceremony of the fair on Wednesday.

Although it is the first time for Chinese companies to participate in the fair, they attached great importance to the Latin American market as their products were carefully selected to cater the needs of customers in the strategic region.

The Wing-Loong UAV can endure harsh and adverse conditions, such as scorching deserts, highland gales, high altitude take-offs and landings. It can also operate in diverse missions, such as counter-terrorism, border patrol and intelligence gathering operations, which clearly fits the demands of countries like Mexico, said Liu.

According to Pan, military representatives from Peru and Brazil have contacted them to know more about their company's airborne early warning and control system, one of their major products.

The fair serves as a platform for Chinese companies to better connect with their partners in Latin America, said Hu Bin, regional deputy general manager from China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation.

More than 550 enterprises from 35 countries are participating in the four-day event, including world renowned companies of Boeing, Airbus and Bombardier.