He said that holding of defence exhibition reflects the government's efforts to energise commercial and economic activities in the country through export of defence products. Musharraf said robust defence manufacturing industry helps in reducing foreign dependence.
The President said Pakistan has no offensive designs against any country and only wants to safeguard its honour and integrity.
General Musharraf said maintaining of conventional and non-conventional weapons are guarantee for peace in the region and added that our arms are for peace.
He said sanctions against Pakistan had negative as well as positive effects. It helped us in indigenous weapons production and gave courage to maintain a credible deterrence, and in moving towards self-reliance.
Musharraf said since the holding of Ideas-2000, we have demonstrated progress in our defence industry and set up Defence Export Promotion Organisation (Depo) which has acted as a showcase of our defence capabilities.
The President observed that since year 2000, when the first IDEAS exhibition was held, the number of participants has swelled. This speaks for itself for the interest world is taking in Pakistan.
Musharraf also praised the organisers for holding a successful event and a seminar on Monday morning. He announced that Pakistan shares the international interest and the vision of theme of Ideas-2004 is 'Arms for Peace'. He was of the view that this theme applies particularly to Pakistan.
The President spoke highly about very successful collaboration with China and France in defence equipment production.
He pointed out that Pakistan collaborated very successfully with close friend China for the production of Al-Khalid tanks, which are one of the top machines in the world with many qualities. The President also spoke of modernisation of Al-Zarar tank of 1960s with minimum cost and described it as a great achievement of Pakistan.
The President and COAS said Pakistan army would be equipped with Al-Khalid and Al-Zarar tanks, which are second to none.
About Pakistan Air Force, he said the Karakoram series of trainer aircraft have been produced and now we are going for the Thunder aircraft. As far as Pakistan Navy is concerned, the President said that we are looking forward to F22P frigate.
He also spoke of the collaboration with France for the manufacture of Agosta 19-B submarine.
The President pointed out that we look forward for more collaboration with the friendly countries of the world.