It is heartening to see the fifth edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS - 2008) come together yet again. I am equally elated to notice that this successive event has helped the county gain a favourable international repute, promote defence exports, strike strategic alliances with international manufacturers and fortify Pakistan’s strategic disposition with regards to world peace initiatives.

Trading the journey from IDEAS 2000 to IDEAS 2008, the platform has come a long way in gaining recognition and admiration of countries participating in it. The number of exhibitors at the show is a major way of gauging the success of this platform, the ever growing numbers speaks volumes of how the event is perceived by other countries. In terms of promoting the strategic merits of the platform, its slogan
“Arms for Peace” helps reverberate Pakistan’s principles stand that a more balanced arms equations among neighbouring countries acts as a deterrent of war.

Having already achieved well-deserved popularity and prominence in international defence markets, IDEAS 2008 is poised to further pave the way toward enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the friendly nations jointly serving world peace initiatives, an area where Pakistan continues to play a leading role in the global war against terrorism.

On this auspicious occasion I would like to extend my warm wishes and a very happy stay to all the international delegates, professionals, foreign and local exhibitors present at IDEAS 2008. I would also like to congratulate Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) for coordinating, managing and successfully organizing such a mega event.