Far-reaching agreement covers collaboration in the fields of advanced technology, smart cities, education and talent development

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / São José dos Campos, Brazil – 17 August, 2024: EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence groups, has signed a far-reaching cooperation agreement with the government of the city of São José dos Campos, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. The agreement will cover collaboration in the areas of advanced technology, smart cities, education and talent development. The move reinforces EDGE’s presence in the strategically important Latin America market, providing a further boost to its commercial plans across the Brazilian and regional defence ecosystems.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties was signed by Anderson Farias, the Mayor of São José dos Campos, and Rodrigo Torres, EDGE Group Chief Financial Officer, at the Mayor’s City Hall office.

The city of São José dos Campos is Brazil’s premier industrial manufacturing and technology hub and home to the country’s largest aerospace and defence companies, including smart weapons and high-tech systems specialist SIATT, in which EDGE purchased a 50% stake in 2023. The city is also home to some of Brazil’s leading universities and technology and research institutes.

Rodrigo Torres, EDGE Group Chief Financial Officer, said: “EDGE is moving into a new phase of growth in Brazil and the wider region, and the mutually valuable partnerships we forged with key players and local governments are now creating the conditions from which we can reap tangible benefits. There is no better example of this type of partnership then this agreement with the city of São José dos Campos, an internationally recognised hub of innovation and technical excellence, which will enable us to realise our commercial objectives, support the local economy, and to promote sustainable growth in advanced technology, and in the development of brilliant talent. On behalf of EDGE Group, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Mayor and people of this forward-looking city.”

Along with the Government of the State of São Paulo, the city of São José dos Campos has been fully supportive of EDGE’s entry into the Brazilian market, providing a fertile environment for growth, job creation, while ensuring the group can tap into the region’s robust supply chains. Furthermore, together with EDGE, SIATT is in the process of expanding its headquarters and manufacturing base in the city from 1,000 square meters to approximately 7,000 square meters, generating over 800 related employment opportunities.