Pak arms export rises to $30.2 million annually
ISLAMABAD (September 4) : Pakistan has succeeded in earning a respectable place in the international arms market by producing high quality modern weapons, increasing its annual export to $30.2 million.
Pakistan is rated among the few countries manufacturing high quality and reliable arms and ammunition," said Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Chairman Lieutenant General Abdul Qayyum, in an exclusive interview to APP.
Lt, General Abdul Qayyum, said, having met 100 percent arms requirements of military, Navy and Air Force, the POF industrial complex made a remarkable increase in its exports to 30 countries in Middle East, Europe in the year 1999-2000.
"The 107 percent increase in our exports in the last two years, is a proof that not only the prices of Pakistani arms and ammunition are competitive, but the quality is also of international standard," he added.
The POF chairman said it is a matter of pride for the country that it exports increased from $14 million to 30.2 million in the preceding year. After getting ISO 9001 Certification, early this year, its exports are expected to rise further, he added.
"We have earned a place among countries whose technology is considered not only superior but at par with advanced countries," the chairman said.
The POF exports are made strictly at government to government level, as Pakistan does not want that its arms and weapons fall in wrong hands, Lieutenant General Qayyum stated.
The chairman attributed the performance of POF, described by Moody International as one of the finest defence industries of the world, to the hard work, discipline and dedication of its over 33,000 employees in an industrial culture fostered in the organisation in the last couple of years.
"We are trying to create a sense of belonging among our workers. I personally meet a large number of workers each day, the result is increased interaction, quick redressal of their grievances, an environment of mutual confidence and a surge in our production."
Lieutenant General Qayyum referred to a number of initiatives taken 'to materialise commercial success of the industry and said that private-public co-operation can be mutually helpful in the larger interest of the country.
"We believe that we can expand corporation with the private sector and we have been in touch with various chambers of commerce for the first time in POF history, we want to encourage the vending industry and decentralise some of the POF functions with a view to boosting the country's economy," he said.
He said, the POF wants the private sector to manufacture items which were currently being imported. "The private sector can get from us some standard raw materials like brass, copper, tungsten carbide tips and tools and different kinds of chemicals.
The POF could also offer hard steel, tools and bush bearing of special steel to many local industries. "Many items which are used in the ceramics, leather and sugar industry could be manufactured by the POF for example brass copper in all forms can be manufactured by the brass mills of the POF."
In addition, he said, the POF has written letters to Pakistani missions abroad to update them about our performance as well as invited Islamabad-based foreign diplomats to the POF.
The chairman said, besides, the POF has been engaged in a continuous process of upgrading and modernising its machinery and plants. He said, computerisation and research and development have also been accorded special attention.
Lieutenant General Qayyum underlined that the sustained success of the POF as a national institution requires greater autonomy and he has forwarded suggestions to the concerned quarters in this regard. The matter of autonomy both in financial and administrative sphere is at present under consideration at the highest level, and, he hoped it will be done soon.
"The empowerment of POF is necessary for sustained efficient results, it should have the power to hire bright brains against attractive salaries - our suggestions are being considered at the highest level and I am hopeful that this will be streamlined shortly.
To a question, he said the POF Wah is conscious of its world wide reputation and do not export for the purpose of political, economical or military exploitation.
He said the management believes in long term relationship rather than making a one-off deal. They have a history of no default on their contract, he added.
The chairman said they have resorted to open door policy, undertaking the development work in the defence sector on commercial basis, by availing the co-operation of private sector.
He said they are now arranging regular exhibitions of their products home and abroad for seeking more demand.
Replying to another question, Lt, General Abdul Qayyum said he is fulfilling his responsibility as Mayor of the City, looking after the welfare of more than 300,000 local residents. He said he meets the people on every Friday after Friday prayer at the main mosque, to attend their complaints and suggestions.
The products which POF has exported during the last five years included:
Rifle G3, Machine Sun MG3 and Sub--Machine Gun MPS 7.62 mm NATO and 9 mm parabellum Ammunition.
60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm Mortar Bombs 25 pounder, 105 mm HOW, 122 mm HOW Artillery Ammo, 106 mm Anti Tank Rocket 40 mm Heat (RPG-7) Mines and Pyrotechnics Tungsten and Brass Scrap.-APP
Copyright 2000 APP (Published under arrangement with Associated Press of Pakistan)