While major deals on weapons, equipment and accessories are taking place elsewhere at the venue of Milipol Qatar, the stall of Arthus-Bertrand (established 1803) is receiving a lot of attention from the visitors, with its shelves full of hundreds of souvenirs, mementos, decorations, badges, trophies and medals.
“Most armed forces’ uniforms have some decorations produced by our company,” Arthus-Bertrand’s medal projects chief Jean Charles Rocher told Gulf Times yesterday.
For many years, apart from the defence forces in the region, the French company has been meeting the requirements of the armed forces of several countries across the world, mainly in the Middle East, South America and Africa.
Deliberating on their company’s stress on handmade accessories, Rocher feels they are more appealing to the eyes.
The company official claims nearly 99% of their products are handmade even today. Arthur-Bertrand’s souvenirs and citations continue to adorn the uniforms of defence personnel of France and Qatar, both of which are stakeholders in the Milipol expo. The company’s medals, souvenirs and mementos have also found their way to major sport events and other cultural and art festivals in both the Middle East and Europe.
“The Cannes Film Festival, French Open tennis and Tour de France are among some of the major events where our presence is strongly felt,” added Rocher.
A view of the souvenirs and mementos at Arthus-Bertrand’s stall at Milipol Qatar. PICTURE: Shaji Kayamkulam
