International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) is a mega regional event; biennially organized by Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) in Pakistan.
Since its inception in the year 2000, IDEAS has emerged as an international rendezvous for defence manufacturers, entrepreneurs, R&D specialist, financial experts, and top level policy makers to promote cooperation, knowledge sharing and support ventures in the field of defence collaboration. Indeed, IDEAS is an event that brings together the global defence industry for synergistic businesses and cooperation.
Pakistan’s 10th edition, IDEAS 2018, has commenced at Karachi Expo Centre on 27 November 2018 after a grand inauguration ceremony by President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, who was the Chief Guest during the occasion.
During his inaugural address, President said that Pakistan today offers enormous opportunities for profitable investments, joint ventures and trade in all sectors including the defence industry.
In his regard, IDEAS serves as a regional gateway for international manufacturers and suppliers to explore new avenues of defence cooperation through joint ventures, outsourcing and collaboration. He said technologies are playing a vital role in confronting modern day security challenges, and its responsible use can make the world a better and safer place.
Pakistan being a responsible state is always committed to play its role for international peace, stability and order. Reciprocity, mutual interests and international norms are the guiding principles that govern Pakistan’s relations at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
He said that Government of Pakistan always believes in meaningful dialogue on the basis of equality not only to resolve bilateral issues but also to a give chance to peace and harmony in the region. At our end, we in collaboration with our partners are steadfast to this unflinching commitment for peace and stability in the world.
He said that Pakistan’s defence industry has now reached the threshold of quality and reliability wherein its products are competing in the international defence market. However, to further excel in this domain there is a need of academia – industry interface, integration of public – private defence industry and involvement of R&D organizations in defence manufacturing sector of Pakistan.
Zubaida Jalal, Federal Minister for Defence Production, while addressing the gathering said Pakistan has the potential to emerge as a global platform for defence research, scientific growth, manufacturing and joint ventures, in order to strengthen our defence capabilities and spur developments as well as exports in this sector.
Towards this, Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) is continuing to evolve clear priorities and approaches for protecting and defending Pakistan defence industry interests at home and abroad. Today we are reliable export partners of more than 60 countries.
Earlier during his welcome address, Major General Ahmad Mahmood Hayat, DG DEPO welcomed the visiting delegates, foreign and domestic exhibitors, OEMs, trade visitors and participants of IDEAS 2018.
President during the visit of exhibition halls inaugurated new inventions of Pakistan Defence Industry i.e Global Industrial Solutions, Pakistan Ordnance Factories, Military Vehicles Research and Development Establishment, Heavy Industries Taxila, Shibli Electronics, Universal Smart Military Systems and Daudson Armoury.
He highly appreciated the defence products of participating countries and OEMs.
IDEAS 2018 has surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign. Karachi Expo Centre has been booked to its full capacity with 522 exhibitors from 51 Countries including Pakistan. Besides trade visitors, more than 262 high level delegations from 50 countries are visiting the exhibition as Guests of Pakistan. China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Jordon, Poland, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine and USA have established their exclusive country pavilion.
The exhibition will continue till 30 November 2018.
