Dubai Woodshow 2008 welcomes delegates from leading international associations in the wood industry

The announcement was made by Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, the event organisers, at a press conference held today at the Dubai Airport Expo, which was also attended by representatives from some of the associations participating at the Dubai Woodshow 2008.

Reflecting the tremendous growth of the event, leading associations including the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (Eumabois), Asociacion de Fabricantes Espanoles de Macquinaria (AFEMMA), American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Italian Woodworking Machinery and Tool Manufacturers' Association (ACIMALL), German Woodworking Machinery Association (VDMA) and Czech Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association (SVDSZ) have confirmed their participation and are set to showcase industry leading technologies and products.

Speaking at the press conference, Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organizers of the Dubai Woodshow 2007, said,

'We believe that the emergence of Dubai as a hub for the regional wood industry and the increased interest from wood suppliers from all over the world are driving the unprecedented growth of the Dubai Woodshow. With the widespread presence of outstanding opportunities and heightening competition within the global market, we are fully committed towards providing an effective platform to further develop the wood sector in the Middle East.'

'We have recognised the Dubai Woodshow as the important tradeshow that provides the most effective venue for us to showcase our high quality products and modern technology, and for woodworking. In addition to disseminating highly credible industry reports, which gives a clear perspective of the current happenings in the global market, we have also gained significant alliances through the outstanding networking prospects at the event. As a result of our participation in the last three editions of the show, we have managed to gain a very good awareness for Spain in the wood market of the Middle East, and we intend to further that by maintaining our presence at this year's event,' said Jose Menoyo, Honorary President, AFEMMA.

'The current movement of Gulf countries towards economic development has resulted in the growth of the construction sector, thereby creating a greater demand for wood products and woodworking machineries across the region,' said Dominik Wolfschuetz, Marketing Manager, VDMA. 'Recognising the wide array of business opportunities within this flourishing market, our focus lies in addressing the huge demand for wooden products of regional developers. The German pavilion in this year's show marks the participation of the most number of Germany-based exhibitors, which is set to showcase cutting edge technology to an audience of high value customers from around the globe.'

Participating at the Dubai Woodshow 2008 for the first time is ACIMALL, an organisation comprised of 220 leading manufacturers representing 90% of the Italian woodworking machinery industry in terms of employees and turnover. Playing an important role in the growth of the Italian woodworking machinery industry, ACIMALL is focused on finding effective technologies and innovations to fuel the advancement and overall evolution of its members. As a result, Italian machinery exports presently accounts for 21% of the total woodworking equipment in the world.

Commenting on ACIMALL's participation at the show, Martino Castellani, Trade Promotion Official, Italian Government said, 'As Italian woodworking machineries gain steady popularity in the global market, our first participation in the Dubai Woodshow is centred towards highlighting the exceptional advantages of Italian-made equipment. We represent the desire of the Italian wood industry to address the tremendous demand for breakthrough wood-focused technologies in this highly diversifying market, and it is with utmost enthusiasm and verve that we look forward to a successful participation at this event.'

'We are optimistic that we will gain positive results with regard to strengthening the ties between US exporters and Middle Eastern importers, manufacturers and specifiers through our participation at the 2008 edition. In addition to the presence of the top hardwood exporters from the US and representatives from three major US hardwood exporting states at the American pavilion, we will also be conducting a gala dinner, wherein we expect to facilitate high impact networking between US suppliers and international customers. In addition, the line up of exhibitors from all over the world is truly impressive, and we are looking forward to exchanging new ideas with them,' concluded Roderick Wiles, Consultant, AHEC.

Dubai Woodshow 2008 is set to draw in a large number of companies that are looking to showcase their products and services varying from plywood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), veneer, laminates, parquet, and paper and treatment products to wood and woodworking machinery. Maintaining an esteemed repute among a distinct group of established construction professionals, interior designers, architects, engineers, timber merchants, furniture and building material manufacturers, carpenters, wholesale dealers and retailers, the 2007 edition of the event has facilitated more than $50m (Dhs184m) worth of closed deals within its two-day run.