Mid East power show organiser pulls the plug on fake products

"The industry is suffering globally from the spread of counterfeiting and we feel it is our duty to support the fight against it," said Sarah Woodbridge, Exhibitions Director, Power and Energy Division, IIR Exhibitions.

"We cannot ignore this problem in the hope that it will go away. We work very closely with the industry and we have an obligation to support our customers by everything we can to ensure only legitimate products are displayed at Middle East Electricity."

IIR's stance has been welcomed by the industry that says it will send a clear signal to counterfeiters who are damaging genuine brands.

Dave Dossett, the Chief Executive of the UK's largest trade group, the British Electromechanical and Allied Manufacturers Association (BEAMA) said it was not just a question of safeguarding brands but also about protecting the public from sub standard products that can kill.

"Exhibitions, such as Middle East Electricity, are a great shop window for new products and attracting new customers. But, unless strictly controlled, they can be used by unscrupulous manufacturers or traders to supply dangerous counterfeit products to unsuspecting buyers," said Dossett, who is also Director and Company Secretary of the Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers Association (EIEMA)

"BEAMA and EIEMA, and their member companies exhibiting at the show, will support IIR in any way possible to ensure that their anti-counterfeit policy is a success."

The UAE's Al Hassan Switchgear has also praised IIR Exhibitions' initiative. "Counterfeit products are a menace to any country's economy and should be dealt with severely through legal and other means," said Amrit Dhar, Managing Director, Al Hassan Switchgear.

"We greatly appreciate and endorse IIR's stand as it will send a clear message to those who deal in counterfeit products."

To date, more than 80% of exhibitor space has been contracted at Middle East Electricity 2003, which will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from January 19-21. The first annual showing of the event will include national pavilions from Germany, the UK, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Korea and France and country groups from Turkey, Taiwan, Iran and South Africa.

Middle East Electricity 2003 will feature a number of innovations, including a dedicated Lighting Arena, focusing on the lighting sector.

Other additions include the staging of the 9th Annual Power Generation Summit, alongside the exhibition, and a dedicated area for new and renewable energy.

The show, which is supported by the UAE Ministry of Electricity and Water and the Federal Electricity and Water Authority, will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, from January 19-21, 2003.