Dr R Mathews, a British-born defence economist, yesterday laid emphasis on using defence technologies for civil pur jioses in view of the changing world scenario, reports BSS.

Talking on Defence technology transfer in the Asia-Pacific" organised by Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BUSS) in the city yesterday, he said. "Old fashioned military is dead" in the modern era and the developed and developing countries are now working for development. coordinating the civil and military activities.

Dr Mathews, a professor of Royal Military College of Science. UK. cited an example of Indonesia where the defence industries are now being used for civil sector applications which he termed as dual usage'.

The British expert observed that the defence industries in the developed world are facing crisis with the reduction of defence expenditure over the past one decade, with the end of Cold War era. and they survive on barter and counter exchange

trading with the developing countries instead of cash exchange.

He recalled that South Africa exported weapons to both Iran and Iraq in exchange of oil during the Gulf War in the 1980s. Such barter exchanges can also be based on tripartite agreements, he said.

Citing another example. Dr Mathews said the Rolls Royce Company of England supplied aero engines to Russia but instead of taking payments In weak rouble, it took Indian textiles and other goods as payment in a tripartite arrangement.

Dr Mathews observed that the developing countries have a scope to enter into the defence industries of the advanced world as they can add values to the defence equipment produced in the western defence industries.

Director General of BUSS Brigadier Shahedul Anam Khan chaired the function, participated by defence officials, academics and defence experts.