On the occasion of holding International Defence Exhibition and Seminar- 2008 usually referred to as IDEAS, a mega event sponsored by Govt. of Pakistan, I congratulate the entire defence industry of Pakistan for the success and recognition that IDEAS has won in last seven years. IDEAS – 2008 will be the fifth exhibition held biennially, with a history starting from year 2000.

I would like to admire the relentless effort and sheer hard work of all the federal and provincial agencies involved in the conduct of IDEAS and, particularly DEPO for coordinating and executing this major undertaking. Close patronage of the Government of Pakistan will continue to be available to the Armed Forces, Organizers and Managers of IDEAS to help them hold this mega event in a befitting manner.

The defence industry of Pakistan has come a long way and this exhibition will give the visitors an opportunity to evaluate it from close quarters. You will appreciate that the Pakistan Defence Industry is in a position to fulfill most requirements of the Pakistan Armed Forces and friendly countries doing business with us. Apart from producing weapons and their platforms, Pakistan defence industry, both in public and private sector, has tremendous capacity of manufacturing components of major defence systems.

This world class capacity offers a great opportunity to the defence industry of the developed world to enter into joint ventures and other collaborative arrangements with Pakistan defence industry for mutual benefit and more importantly for building trust and expanding friendship.

I today feel proud seeing the international recognition, which IDEAS has achieved. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the visiting dignitaries, including Defence and Defence Production Ministers, heads of armed forces, other delegation, foreign exhibitors, trade visitors and defence/security analysts for IDEAS – 2008. I wish them a comfortable and professionally rewarding stay in Pakistan.