IDEAS-2016 concludes, 14 MoUs signed

KARACHI: The 9th International Defence Exhibition IDEAS-2016 concluded here on Friday as Pakistan signed 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with different countries for supply of defence equipment. 

Pakistan showcased one of the best and technologically advanced air and ground equipment in the global market which illustrates its achieving self-sufficiency in various fields of defence sector.

Pakistan has always believed in arms for peace and desired to live as a harmonious and peace-loving country in this competitive world, said Federal Secretary for Defence Production Lieutenant General (R) Syed Muhammad Owais Friday while addressing the closing ceremony of 9th International Defence Exhibition IDEAS-2016 held at Karachi Expo Center from Nov 22 to 25. Director General Defence Exports Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Major General Agha Masood Akram Director (Media) DEPO Commodore Tahir Javed and Director Coordination DEPO Brig Waheed Mumtaz were also present.

Defence Production Secretary said, “The aim of the IDEAS-2016 is to showcase our products, demonstrate our organisational skills to plan and conduct a mega event of international stature and provide platform to convey our view points on the security issues concerning Pakistan.”

He said that by holding IDEAS-2016 successfully under the prevalent environment was the manifestation to build the image of Pakistan as a modern, progressive and tolerant state that was willing to co-exist peacefully with the international community.

While replying to a question, he said, “We have achieved all the targets of holding the IDEAS-2016. Ninety foreign defence delegations from 43 countries participated which showed the significance and success of the exhibition. He highlighted that foreign delegates as well as exhibitors had a comfortable stay.

Hence a good message would be conveyed to the world that Pakistan is a peaceful country and had the organizational skills to hold a grand event in the most organised way. Meanwhile, DEPO’s Director General Major General Agha Masood Akram told the media that Pakistan had been in defence production for decades.

He said Pakistan’s some of the major indigenously developed products were showcased in IDEAS-2016 which included Main Battle Tank Al-Khalid, JF-17 Thunder Fighter aircraft, Super Mushshak K-8, Aircraft Fast Attack Craft, Missile Boats, UAVs Armoured Personnel Carriers, Premium Grade Military Hardware and related technology.

“We received very good response from Turkey, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Far East. He said that 14 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed with different perspective with international partners.

It was pertinent to mention here that a MoU for 52 Super Mushshak aircraft with Turkey was also signed there and had set a benchmark for shining example of importance of forthcoming IDEAS.

He said the impact of the event would be large. It was an ongoing process and major deals took time to be materialised. Pakistan was producing high quality defence products which were not only cost competitive but were equal in terms of quality. Pakistan would continue to hold IDEAS international exhibition biennially and had great potential to export its defence products across different continents of the world.