KARACHI: The four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2022, organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organisation, drew to a close at Expo Centre Karachi on Friday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 11th edition, Defence Production Minister Mohammed Israr Tareen said that it was heartening to see the overall response for the exhibition from all over the world with over 500 national and international exhibitors and more than 285 delegates from 64 countries visiting the exhibition.

“Various countries established their exclusive pavilions. There was also new participation from Romania and Austria. In addition more than 40,000 visitors, including suppliers, vendors, trade visitors, academia and other organisations visited the exhibition, and all those who were a part of this mega event deserve great appreciation,” he said.

He added that they have signed more than 30 Memorandums of Understanding (MOU), which was proof of the positive response received from prospective buyers from all over the world.

Defence production minister says more than 30 MoUs signed with prospective buyers; 11th edition of IDEAS concludes

“We have made our best efforts to make this event a great success,” he said, while appreciating the dedicated efforts put in by DEPO in organising the event.

He also thanked the federal and provincial governments, Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies and the media along with friends and partners in various projects of the defence production industry.

“Pakistan deserves to further deepen, broaden and strengthen its partnership in all fields including defence cooperation,” he said, adding: “We are a peace-loving nation and desire to live in harmony with all our neighbours. However, we cannot lower our guards against regional and extra-regional threats.”

DEPO chief Major General Mohammed Arif Malik reminded that IDEAS was held this time after a gap of four years instead of the usual two due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said Pakistan has been in defence production since decades and the country is producing high-quality products, which are competitive in cost but equal in terms of quality.

This time, some major indigenously developed products were showcased including the battle tanks, Al-Khalid, Al-Zarrar, fighter aircraft JF-17 Thunder, armoured personnel carriers, and armed unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-ship cruise missile Harbah-NG, etc, he said.

Replying to a question about following up on the MoUs signed in 2018 and providing details of the agreements signed this time, he said that it was an ongoing process and major deals take time to be cemented.

Also details of such deals were kept confidential as the other party might not want to make everything public, wishes which should be respected, he said and pointed out that there were 14 MoUs signed in 2018 and 30-plus this time around.

To another question regarding opening the exhibition to the general public, it was explained that IDEAS was a business networking platform with the core purpose for companies to generate business. Therefore, it should not be confused with the Defence Day of Pakistan, which is celebrated on September 6 every year and where the people of the country celebrate the armed forces and are invited to participate in various events.

IDEAS is to showcase products, provide an opportunity for our defence-related industry, both in the public and the private sector, to interact directly with the defence industry of the developed world and enjoy defence diplomacy by hosting a number of great activities including demonstrations, simulations, international seminars, networking and business expansions.

DEPO officials Brigadier Naveed Azam Cheema, Commodore Mohammad Tahir and Badar Expo Solutions chief executive Zohair Naseer were also present.

The closing ceremony also included recognising the exhibitors by giving away certificates and participation awards.

Later, the seal for IDEAS 2024 was unveiled with hopes and wishes to invite more countries to come over to Pakistan. The ceremony concluded with another live performance from the navy brass band.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2022