KARACHI: A number of companies from United Kingdom are participating in IDEAS 2006 and have flown over 5,000 miles to exhibit a range of equipment at this important exhibition, which they hope will be of interest to the Armed Forces of Pakistan. The British companies attending the exhibition include Audiotel, Landrover, Flight Refuelling, Goodrich, VT Communications, and Martin Baker - the world leader in aircraft ejection seats.

Air Marshal Gavin Mackay, the Senior Military Adviser in the United Kingdom Defence Export Services Organization, leads the official United Kingdom delegation. DESO provides government assistance to both British Industry and its overseas customers. DESO has a dedicated stand where experienced British soldiers, under the theme of Peace Support Operations will be promoting another 20 products, many in service with the British Army overseas.

The presence of senior officials from the UK government, UK companies and the British Army reflects the UK's commitment to this international exhibition, in Karachi, and also to the very warm relationship between our two countries. British companies continue to be at the forefront of technological innovation and their international success demonstrates their ability to supply highly capable equipment at competitive prices. One area where the UK has specific expertise is biological and chemical detection and companies are keen to highlight their capability in this important area. UK companies also have a strong track record of international collaboration; joint ventures and partnerships with other countries and this exhibition will give them a chance to engage with companies from Pakistan.

The UK has won an average of ?5 billion of international defence equipment orders per year for the past five years, making it the second largest defence equipment supplier after the United States, and yet maintains a strict arms control policy. The figure includes considerable expertise in the contracting of defence support services, such as aircraft repair and maintenance, logistics support, flying training, storage and distribution and base management.

IDEAS is an exhibition that UK companies and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Export Services Organization are delighted to be attending.