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The International Defence Exhibition
and Seminar IDEAS 2008, showcases
a wide variety of technology, ranging
from equipment used in the third
world countries to the most sophisticated
systems from the West. This exhibition
provides a perfect interactive platform
for the defence forces to assess
the best products and technology
to cater for their respective defence-related
requirements. Besides, it also presents
an ideal opportunity to the defence
manufacturers for entering into
collaboration and joint ventures
with Pakistan or other prospective
international partners.
IDEAS
2008 Soft Launching held on 23 May
2008 at Prime
Minister Secretariat Auditorium
1. It is, indeed, a matter of great
pleasure to see the International
Defence Exhibition and Seminar more
popularly known as ‘IDEAS’
going from strength to strength,
in a short span of seven years.
The exhibition has grown in scope
and stature and I feel satisfied
to see Pakistan’s achievements
in this relatively new ground for
us. The rendezvous or forum of IDEAS
provides excellent opportunity to
develop better understanding and
friendship, networking of defence
industry for trade and joint ventures,
and more importantly seeking affordable
solutions to prevent war through
conventional balance. This was stated
by Prime Minister of Islamic Republic
of Pakistan while acting as Chief
Guest of the ceremony. The Prime
Minister formally announced the
soft launching of the IDEAS-2008
which will be held from 24-28 Nov
2008 at Karachi Expo Centre. The
Prime Minister also distributed
the IDEAS 2008 souvenirs among the
participants.
2.
The Secretary Ministry of Defence
Production Major General (Retd)
Shahid Siddique Tirmizi while addressing
welcomed Prime Minister Syed Yousaf
Raza Gillani and distinguished guest
and said that first International
Defence Exhibition and Seminar,
better known as IDEAS, was held
in the year 2000. That was an astounding
success. Thereafter three exhibitions
were held in the years 2002, 2004
and 2006, and each time there was
a marked improvement from the previous
one. This was made possible though
the relentless efforts and sheer
hard work at the Defence Export
Promotion Organisation (DEPO). During
all these years, a close patronage
of the Government of Pakistan was
available to the Armed Forces, Organizers
and Managers of IDEAS that helped
them to hold this biennial event
successfully.
3.
It is a matter of great honour and
proud privilege for me to extend
a very warm welcome to the Prime
Minister and honourable guests from
Pakistan representing various business
groups and government departments,
their Excellencies; Ambassadors,
High Commissioners and Diplomats.
I am extremely grateful to the Prime
Minister of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf
Raza Gillani, who has been very
kind and generous in extending his
patronage to DEPO and acceding to
our request to grace the occasion
of Soft Launching Ceremony of International
Defence Exhibition and Seminar now
internationally known by its acronym
“IDEAS”, that will be
held at Expo Centre Karachi from
24 November to 28 November 2008.
On behalf of Defence Export Promotion
Organisation, Ministry of Defence
Production, this was stated by Director
General DEPO Major General Muhammad
Farooq while addressing the forum.
4.
You will be pleased to know that
IDEAS, a biennial mega event of
international repute organized and
supported by Pakistan Armed Forces,
is attended by a large number of
local and foreign exhibitors, high
level foreign defence delegations,
trade visitors, diplomats, defence,
analysts and senior Pakistan Armed
Forces officers. The presence of
the Prime Minister of Pakistan as
chief guest on the occasion has
surely enhanced the prestige of
the event that will focus on OEOs
of own and multi-national companies,
leading industrialists, diplomats,
potential exhibitors, trade visitors,
high level delegations and sponsors
to encourage their participation
in IDEAS – 2008.
5.
The Popularity of IDEAS can be well
imagined from the state that there
is an increase of 250% in space
booking and 225% in International
Defence Delegations attendance.
IDEAS, besides promoting image of
Pakistan, show-cases the defence
capability including defence products
of Pakistan to the outside world.
Silent preparations and promotional
campaign for IDEAS – 2008
are already in full swing and being
met with encouraging response form
the foreign exhibitors. However,
to give IDEAS – 2008 a momentous
headstart and further leap, “Soft
Launching” of this internationally
renowned event was planned to be
held in May 2008 at Islamabad.
6.
The IDEAS Soft Launching was attended
by Federal Ministers, Secretaries
Services chiefs, Ambassadors, Diplomats,
CEO of most of the exhibiting companies
and CEO & TV channel, and print
media.
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