Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) to provide a fresh dimension to IPM Dubai 2007

Held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, the IPM Dubai 2007, is being organized by Messe Essen GmbH in association with planetfair Dubai LLC from March 6-8, 2007 at the Central Hall of Airport Expo Dubai.

'The DFC will provide a whole new dimension to the Second IPM Dubai 2007 as the centre is already nearing capacity as far as warehouse and office-space are concerned. Moreover, companies and organizations from as far as Africa, Asia and Latin America are keen to locate their base at DFC because of its logistical and geographic advantages,' Mr. Ibrahim Ahli, Marketing Director added.

The DFC - a one-stop shop for local and international buyers, traders and exporters - offers several benefits including a closed loop supply chain system that ensures the right temperature from aircraft to the climate-controlled zone, a supply chain intelligence that offers state-of-the-art computerized tracking system, and a business-friendly free-zone environment.

In addition, the IPM Dubai is an offshoot of the already well-established IPM Essen in Germany which every year hosts more than 1,400 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors. The second edition of the event in Dubai will consolidate its position as the most ideal networking and communication platform for plant producers, seed traders, developers, authorities, municipal garden authorities, garden centers, horticulturists & landscape gardeners, engineering, horticulture firms, florists, retail flower traders, retailers, hotels management, wholesalers, among others.

Last year the 4,000-square meter event at Airport Expo Dubai saw 85 exhibitors from 12 countries and 1,521 trade visitors from 50 countries. The sponsors included Dubai Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Flower Centre, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Dubai Municipality and Ministry of Environment and Water.

The DFC has an annual capacity to handle 180,000 tonnes of perishable products and international companies have already made the Dubai facility as their base in order to take advantage of the potential growth in cargo sector in and around the region.

'This could be demonstrated by the fact that response to DFC from countries in South and Central Asia, Southern, Western and Eastern Africa, Europe, the Americas has been so overwhelming as was evidenced by a DFC team that visited the regions as part of their road show. This is because as a one-stop shop for local and international buyers, traders and exporters in a free zone environment, DFC offers superior facilities,' Mr. Ibrahim Ahli of DFC pointed out.

'Major multi-billion-dollar developments have ignited the demand for horticultural products besides the already strong interest from the private sector in using decorative plants and flowers. Several new commercial and real estate developments are being built with spacious gardens while the use of indoor plants in hotels, offices, and private homes is also on the increase,' he said.