I can't believe I missed the Pakistan arms show this year. Why did it have to be the same weekend as ACL? 100 live bands or Interaction, Exposure, Mobility, and Live Firing? It's such a difficult choice.
http://www.ideaspakistan.com/
eta This stuff is great:
Why Pakistan?
Increasing Opportunities:
In the rapidly changing geopolitical scenario, IDEAS has taken a unique role in bringing together friendly countries from almost all corners of the globe, ranging from France to Brunei. Also, Pakistan's close relationship with countries in the European, African, Middle East, Central Asian and Far Eastern regions, together with its active peace keeping role through the involvement of its national armed forces, plays an important role in establishing its importance in the global community.
Asia has emerged as the largest market for defence products during the last decade with more than 60% share of the global defence trade and over 27% increase in military related expenditures. Middle East dominates as the biggest foreign arms importing region with over 17% increase during the past few years.
. . .
Integrating the Defence Manufacturing Industry:
Ever since the introduction of Pakistan's defence industry in IDEAS 2000, Pakistan's defence exports have doubled, providing an even greater opportunity for the international companies to render support and services, leading to the manufacture of finished products.
Continuing with the results achieved through IDEAS, Pakistan's export target for the year 2003-04 is US$ 147 million, which is expected to further rise to the level of at least US$ 500 million (i.e., 1% of the US$ 50 billion global arms market) during the next five years.
Grim article on the arms show -
http://www.slate.com/id/2107610/
