CDICC Signs Memorandum of Understanding with the Brazilian Association of Defense and Security Materials Industries (SIMDE)

During the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition in Rio de Janeiro, the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster (CDICC) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Brazilian Association of Defense and Security Materials Industries (SIMDE). This signing marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral industrial cooperation between Brazil and Croatia in the fields of security and defense. The aim of this mutual agreement is to deepen cooperation, promote innovation, and foster business opportunities between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Carlos Frederico Queiroz de Aguiar, president of SIMDE, and Mr. Gordan Pešić, vice president of HKKOI and a member of the management board of the Croatian technology company DOK-ING, in the presence of H.E. Ranko Vilović, Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to Brazil.

Ambassador Vilović welcomed this initiative, emphasizing:

“This cooperation represents a significant step forward in strengthening the relationship between Brazil and Croatia. Both markets are open to mutual cooperation, and members of the Croatian Defense Industry Competitiveness Cluster, including HS Produkt and DOK-ING, are examples of how innovation and a joint global approach can help create meaningful and strategic partnerships between continents.”

The memorandum of understanding establishes a platform for future industrial, technological, and educational exchanges. It opens the door for joint projects, research collaborations, and the sharing of best practices in the rapidly growing defense and security sectors.

Speaking on behalf of HKKOI, Mr. Pešić emphasized:

“The Croatian defense industry is built on decades of innovation and global partnerships. Through this agreement with SIMDE, we see great potential for cooperation that will benefit both countries and support regional and global security.”

Mr. Queiroz de Aguiar highlighted the importance of international cooperation in today’s complex geopolitical environment:

“Brazil is committed to creating strategic partnerships that bring mutual benefits to our industry and our international partners. We look forward to strengthening ties with Croatia and exploring opportunities for joint growth.”

This strategic alignment between SIMDE and HKKOI marks a new step in relations between Brazil and Croatia in the defense sector, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and peace through strength and cooperation.