“Our country has showcased one of the best and technologically advanced land, sea and air defence equipment in the global market, thus proudly achieving self-sufficiency in any fields related to the defence sector”, Lt General (R) Muhammad Chiragh Haider HI(M), Secretary Defence Production (Ministry of Defence Production) stated while addressing the closing ceremony of IDEAS-2024 held at the Expo Center, Karachi. He added that Pakistan has always been conscientious of the reality that arms facilitate peace and desires to live as a harmonious and peace-loving country in this competitive world.
Major General Asad Nawaz Khan, HI(M) Director General Defence Export Promotion Organization, Brig Ali Adil, Director Coordination DEPO, Commodore Aitazaz Khalid SI(M) Director (Media) DEPO and Mr. Tanvir Abbas Abdullah, COO Badar Expo Solutions were also present at the occasion.
He added that the aim of the IDEAS 2024 was to showcase our products, demonstrate our organizational skills to plan and conduct a mega event of international stature and provide a great global platform to convey our viewpoints on the region’s security issues. Moreover, it offers a unique opportunity for our defence-related industry, both in the public and private sector, to display their products and interact directly with the defence industry of the developed world and create a good opportunity to reinforce diplomatic efforts in the domain of defence diplomacy. He said that holding IDEAS-2024 successfully under the prevalent environment is the manifestation of building the image of Pakistan as a modern, progressive and tolerant state willing to co-exist peacefully with the international community.
While answering the question, he said we have achieved all the targets for holding the IDEAS 2024. Around 350 foreign defence delegations from 52 countries participated, showing the exhibition’s significance and success. More than 555 defence exhibitors (including 334 international) also exhibited/ showcased their products/ equipment related to defence industry. Over 82 MoUs were signed on the sideline of IDEAS-2024.
He highlighted that foreign delegates and exhibitors have a comfortable stay and that a good message will be conveyed to the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country with the organizational skills to hold a grand event in the most organized way.
Meanwhile, Major General Asad Nawaz Khan HI(M), DG DEPO, also briefed the media and added that he is grateful to the worthy guests from participating countries, foreign and domestic exhibitors, OEMs, trade visitors and diplomates for their eminence presence to make IDEAS a great success. Our international partners’ overwhelming response and presence there validate our slogan, “ARMS FOR PEACE, ” and truly reflects our principled stance that a more balanced arms equation is key to regional and global peace.
DG DEPO also thanked event Badar Expo Solutions for selling up the show in a befitting manner. He added that the event’s impact will be large; it is an ongoing process, and major deals take time to be cemented. Pakistan is producing high-quality defence products that are competitive in cost but equal in quality. Pakistan would continue to hold IDEAS biennially and has great potential to export its defence products across different continents.
Later, the exhibitors were recognized by giving away awards.
