The 5th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2008 was a big success as private exhibitors have secured supply orders worth $40 million.
The event has also helped country reach broad understanding with 11 serious buyers for the sale of arms and ammunition, said Director General Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Maj Gen Mohammad Farooq in a press briefing here on Friday.
He alongwith Minister for Defence Production Abdul Qayyum Jatoi, State Minister for Defence Production Sardar Saleem Haider and Secretary Defence Production Lt Gen Shahid Siddiq Tirmzey (retd) was responding to queries raised by journalists at Karachi Expo Centre.
He said that overwhelming response was received from foreign exhibitors and delegates at the 5th IDEAS. This event has not only enhanced the image in the outside world but also nullified the security concerns about Pakistan.
He also thanked Karachiites for showing hospitality to the exhibitors and visitors of IDEAS 2008.
Secretary Defence Production said that 275 JF-17 thunder jet will be handed over to Pakistan Air Force after the completion of testing phase.
"We have received so many queries for the purchase of these jets and more than 800 JF-17 will be exported to eight countries after meeting domestic requirements," he said mentioning that once negotiations were materialized, the export of JF-17 could go beyond 800 units, he added.
These aircrafts are produced under a technical collaboration with China and are also marketed under a joint venture with China, he said.
Gen Trimzey (retd) said that the growth of defence production industry in Pakistan has ended the monopoly of western countries.