The twelfth iteration of the defense exhibition and seminar, IDEAS 2024, officially kicked off on Tuesday at Karachi’s Expo Centre.
During the inaugural ceremony, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif highlighted the significance of public-private collaborations to improve the productivity and efficiency of defense exports.
He announced that Pakistan offers a myriad of opportunities for profitable business ventures, joint initiatives, and investments across a range of sectors, including defense.
The minister noted that Pakistani defense products are increasingly establishing a presence in the global marketplace. He indicated that while the country supplies advanced defense technologies to more than 60 countries, its current export numbers do not genuinely represent its potential.
Khawaja Asif pointed out that this year’s IDEAS event is poised to play a crucial role in advancing Pakistan’s military sector by uniting startups, leading engineering and technology institutions from Pakistan, along with international defense experts and manufacturers.
To encourage interaction between the public and private sectors, as well as academia and industry, Khawaja Asif announced the creation of a defense ecosystem within the IDEAS framework.
The Defence Minister reiterated the administration’s dedication to cultivating a business-friendly environment to attract investment in human resources and industrial knowledge.
Considering the geostrategic environment, he noted that enhanced collaboration at both regional and international fronts is vital to tackling the numerous challenges arising from the current security landscape.
Khawaja Asif championed the responsible use of modern technology to tackle geo-strategic issues and foster a safer, improved society. He asserted that Pakistan, as a responsible nation, has continually committed to assisting in the advancement of global peace, stability, and order. He emphasized that Pakistan’s bilateral and multilateral relationships are founded on international standards, mutual interests, and reciprocity.
The Minister stressed the necessity of regional cooperation and engagement for achieving regional security, socio-economic development, and peace, particularly in light of the evolving geostrategic dynamics in South Asia.
He affirmed Pakistan’s resolve to settle bilateral conflicts and promote peace and harmony in the region through constructive dialogue grounded in equality. According to Khawaja Asif, Pakistan is committed to collaborating with its partners to ensure global peace and stability.
IDEAS 2024 is expected to showcase a wide variety of defense equipment, armaments, and vehicles, incorporating both contemporary and historical components. A significant number of global defense experts are expected to participate in the IDEAS 2024 trade expo. The Special Investment Facilitation Council has identified exports and defense manufacturing as critical priorities.
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