This is with reference to a news item 'Commerce Ministry refuses to pay subsidy to MoDP' published in Business Recorder on 16th March 2016. The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) and Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) clarify the news item. The Ministry of Defence Production organises IDEAS exhibition through Defence Export Promotion Organisation. IDEAS is an international defence exhibition/seminar which attracts not only local manufacturers but also foreign firms. Over the years IDEAS has proved to be a success story and Export Development Fund, housed in MoC, has consistently supported MoDP for this exhibition.
Allocation of funds from the EDF is the purview of the Board of Administrators of EDF, which according to its law comprises of relevant government officials and private sectors stake holders as well as representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industries. EDF has historically allocated substantial amounts for IDEAS, held biennially since 2002.
MoDP has sought support from EDF for IDEAS Exhibition 2016, to be held again in Karachi in November this year. The Board of EDF is considering this request seriously. The MoC and MoDP share Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's vision of enhancing Pakistan's exports in all sectors of Pakistan's economy including defence. This cooperation will continue positively.