KARACHI, May 27: Defence exports are projected to increase to over one billion dollars within the next eight years.

This was stated by Director Policy Planning, Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) Air Commodore, Mansoor Malik in a meeting with the members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday.

Pakistan is already exporting defence exports worth over $100 million. The country has signed a contract for $30 million export of medium range missiles, he said.

Over 200 items including missiles and tanks and the accessories and other arms are being exported to more than 21 countries including Indonesia, Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Morocco, Libya, Mauritius and other African countries, he added.

Mansoor said private sector has been involved in manufacturing of the parts and accessories of a number of defence items exports and the DEPO was in search of more potential exporters, says a press release of the KCCI.

He agreed for the re-organization of the DEPO’s board of governors and asked the KCCI to make fresh nominations of two members for the board. The board comprises 21 members — seven members each from public and private and seven from ministries and the EPB.