DEPO Ideas 2018

IDEAS 2018

Emerging Marketplace for Defence Industry

Historically, defence industries have remained an instrument of eco military pursuits of a nation. In today’s era these defence industries while providing equipment and services are considered lynchpin of technological innovations, developments, revenue generation and a tool of modern diplomacy. Currently, Russia and the U.S are the world’s major arms exporters followed by China, France and Germany. In this context, Pakistan is also becoming an increasingly important player in the world of arms industry with a distinct focus on export of approximately US $ 63 million during 2014 - 2016. Joint development / production of AlKhalid & Al- Zarrar battlefield tanks, aircraft (UAVs, Mushak, JF-17), different variants of APCs, , maritime patrol craft / vessels, submarines, small arms & ammunition / explosives are a few to mention towards self-reliance in the field of defence production.

Over the years, developments in Pakistan’s defence industry remained focused on equipping Pak Armed Forces with modern and technologically advanced equipment while overcoming the dilemma of security of supplies. Presently, more than 20 major public and over 100 private sector firms are engaged in manufacturing defence related products in Pakistan. While major defence products are manufactured by the government owned like Pakistan Ordinance Factories, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Heavy Industries Taxila, National Radio Telecommunication Corporation and Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works, private industry is also now instrumental in producing high quality supportive equipment and services. Today Pakistan’s defence sector is a blend of public and private collaboration using indigenous and foreign technologies. Pakistan certainly has the infrastructure and trained manpower, not only to meet its own defence requirements but also undertake joint ventures. Defence Factories and Establishments are not only meeting the country’s defence requirements but also exporting their products to many other countries.

The shared efforts, regulatory initiatives and tax incentives by the government have encouraged the private sector to invest in defence manufacturing and improved services. These incentives have gradually enhanced the standards of indigenous production; resultantly Pakistan arms import during 2012-16 remained 3.3 % as compared to 4.8% during 2007-1(SIPRI Fact Sheet 2017). In line with ongoing initiatives to make Pakistan competitive in defence exports, Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) is the Premier Institution for promoting and showcasing initiatives and services of Public & Private Defence Industry. International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) under the flagship of DEPO is one of the mega events in the region with enhanced participation of both national and foreign defence manufacturers.

The exhibition is not only a unique platform for sharing views on mutual interests but also a common place for enhanced business activities and networking. Key features of the IDEAS include:

• Showcasing of indigenous capabilities of Pakistan’s defence industry. 
• Display of a large number of international defence products / equipment. 
• Seminar and conferences on contemporary regional and extra regional security issues. 
• Enhanced opportunities for networking, Personal to Personal (P2P) growth and business expansions through superior services and endowed information sharing.
• Facilitating as a gateway to the vast South Asian defence market.

The 10th IDEAS in this regard is scheduled during 27-30 November 2018 at Expo Centre Karachi. As one of the most strategically important events of the region, IDEAS 2018 will once again bring together defence industries’ players across the globe to showcase their latest technological innovations under one roof. Besides the defence exhibition, a large number of senior civil-military delegations and trade visitors would also be witnessing the 4 x days splendid events of the show. Being there would not only be a great opportunity to see new industrial trends but also enhance business prospects.