LCCI invites DEPO to hold exhibition
LAHORE:
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry has invited Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) to organize an exhibition in Lahore on the patron of IDEAS which would help highlight the potential of Pakistan’s defence production industry.
The idea was given at a meeting between Director General Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) Maj. General Agha Masood Akram, LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder and Vice President Nasir Saeed here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Monday. LCCI Executive Committee Members were also present on the occasion. Maj. General Agha Masood Akram said that defence production industry of Pakistan has made momentous technological and innovative advancement and a special focus is being given on the export of defence products.
Maj. General Agha Masood Akram said that Pakistan has not only the ability to fulfill its domestic defence requirements but also cater needs of the world. He said that international community is surprised over the achievements made by Pakistan in the defence field. He informed the participants that as a national platform, DEPO is providing active support to our defence manufacturing/service sector and the export chain through facilitation, coordination and promotion for sustainable growth of defence exports.
He said that DEPO is facilitating and Promoting export of defence products and coordinating marketing efforts with defence manufacturing sector by establishing Pakistani Pavilion in International Exhibitions abroad, holding of IDEAS in Pakistan and using its diplomatic channels
Director General DEPO said that Pakistan is trying to reach out to international defence products market with a view to enhance its exports and achieve a reasonable degree of foothold in the international market. This goal is being achieved by providing technologically compatible and cost effective solutions, thereby expanding the base of its customers. He said that DEPO, in collaboration with Pakistan’s defence production sector (both Public and Private), is committed to provide a progressive response to ongoing developments in the world and to fulfill today’s technological needs, with tomorrow in mind.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said that close linkage between Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) and chambers of commerce will greatly help in engaging private sector in defence production.
He said that in Pakistan, unlike other countries, defence sector is secretive. No information is available online and even concerned department is not fully updated on certain things. He said that India having almost similar circumstances is exercising open approach in this connection giving virtually full access to relevant information. For reference, “Make in India” website can be accessed. Almas Hyder said that it is high time, Pakistan has to modify its approach and involve private sector in defence production. There are many items which are being manufactured in public sector that should be handed over to private sector.