“IDEAS 2024; ANOTHER HALLMARK OF ACHIEVEMENT AND SELF-SUFFFICIENCY BY PAKISTAN”
“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 further added that Pakistan has always been conscientious of the reality that arms facilitate peace, 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 on 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 international platform to convey our viewpoints on security issues of the region. Moreover, to provide a unique opportunity for our defence related industry, both in public and private sector, to display their products and interact directly with the defence industry of the developed world and creating a good opportunity to reinforce the diplomatic efforts in the domain of defence diplomacy. He said by holding IDEAS-2024 successfully under the prevalent environment is the manifestation to build the image of Pakistan as a modern, progressive and tolerant state that is willing to co-exist peacefully with the international community.
While giving an answer to question he said we have achieved all targets of holding the IDEAS 2024. Around 350 foreign defence delegations from 52 countries participated, which shows the significance and success of the exhibition. 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 side line of IDEAS-2024.
He highlighted that foreign delegate, as well as exhibitors, has a comfortable stay and a good message will be conveyed in the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country and has 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. The overwhelming response by our international partners and their presence there clearly validate our slogan “ARMS FOR PEACE’ and truly reflects our principled stance that more balanced arms equation is key to regional and global peace.
DG DEPO also thanked event Badar Expo Solutions for selling up show in befitting manner. He added that the impact of the event will be large, it is an ongoing process and major deals take time to be cemented. Pakistan is producing high-quality defence products which are competitive in cost but are equal in terms of quality. Pakistan would continue to hold IDEAS biennially and has great potential to export its defense products across different continents of the world.
Later, the exhibitors were recognized by giving away awards.
