Karachi: The 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) commenced at the Expo Center in Karachi on Tuesday, marking a significant event in the global defence calendar.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, during the inaugural ceremony, stressed the importance of integrating public and private sectors to boost the efficiency and volume of Pakistan’s defence production and exports. He highlighted the immense opportunities available for profitable investments and joint ventures within the country.
Minister Asif noted that Pakistani defence products are already competing on an international scale, exporting high-tech items to over 60 countries. However, he pointed out that the current export volume does not fully reflect the sector’s potential. The event, with participation from start-ups, top engineering and tech universities, and global defence experts and manufacturers, aims to advance Pakistan’s defence industry significantly.
The Defence Minister also announced the launch of a defence ecosystem through IDEAS, to connect academia, industry, and public-private sectors. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment for investments, particularly in human capital and professional development within the industry.
Addressing the broader security landscape, Minister Asif called for increased regional and extra-regional cooperation to address the complexities of the current geostrategic environment. He emphasized responsible technological use and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to international peace and stability, advocating for dialogue based on equality to resolve regional issues.
The IDEAS 2024 exhibition is set to showcase a range of modern and traditional defence equipment, attracting significant interest from global defence experts. The event aligns with the priorities of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, which focuses on enhancing defence production and exports.