Vision-X Dubai welcomes international specialists

Taking place from 18-20 February 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will welcome international suppliers seeking business development opportunities and finding distribution partners from across the Middle East.

Over 160 companies from 27 countries are participating in the 2008 edition.

Trixee Loh, Exhibitions General Manager, Dubai World Trade Centre, said:

'Dubai World Trade Centre has a global reputation for bringing business partners together and creating new trading opportunities. Vision-X Dubai is set to see a high volume of new agreements signed, promoting growth and development in the region's optical and ophthalmic industry.'

Among the new companies exhibiting in Dubai in 2008 are the Green Company, a handmade eyewear manufacturer from South Africa, and Gelflex, a contact lens specialists from Australia. Vision-X Dubai is also welcoming its first-ever Italian national pavilion.

Supported by the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade (ICE) and the Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers' Association (ANFAO), companies on the national pavilion will help reinforce the image of the 'Made in Italy' brand to trade visitors from across the region.

'Italy sees major business opportunities in the Middle East for specialists and distributors, and we are confident that we will have a positive response from our participation in Vision-X Dubai 2008,' said Dr. Ferdinando, Fiore, Italian trade Commissioner. 'Italian products generate strong demand in markets like the UAE, so we are anticipating high levels of interest from potential partners and customers.'

Germany is also set to increase its profile at this year's event. For the fifth time, German exhibitors will be participating within the national pavilion under the brand name 'German Eyewear - Quality meets Design' at Vision-X Dubai. A total of 19 German exhibitors will be at the show, supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology, AUMA - Association of the German Trade Fair Industry and SPECTARIS, the Industrial Association for Optical, Medical and Mechatronical Technologies.

'An Eye care export from Germany to the Middle East increased by seven percent in 2007 and the proportion is further increasing. German manufacturers and wholesalers of consumer optics are internationally well-known for their high level of innovation and product quality,' said Peter Frankenstein, Manager of Consumer Optics & Spokesperson for Spectaris.

For Finnish manufacturer, Finnsusp Oy, makers of high quality contact lens care solutions and free-form spectacle lenses, Vision-X Dubai presents the ideal opportunity to inform optical distributors and chains in the region about the company's desire for long-term business relationships.

'In addition to high quality products and reliable deliveries, we want to build long term and confidential partnerships in a customised way, to meet the real needs of our future partners,' said Maria Ala-Sulkava, Export Manager of Finnusp Oy. 'At Vision-X Dubai we expect to have the pleasure to talk with people who share our vision of uncompromised concern for proper eye care, as well as the environment.'

One first time exhibitor from South Africa adds that the professionalism of the show's organisers' have already made a positive impression on his company, and has created large expectations for success at Vision-X Dubai.

'We are seeing increasing interest for hand crafted eyewear that provides comfort and style,' commented Andre Nell from The Green Company. 'Vision-X Dubai provides the perfect platform to Middle Eastern markets for us to introduce our range of environmentally-friendly eyewear.'

Vision-X Dubai is an all-inclusive event focusing on every aspect of the optical and ophthalmic industry. The dedicated Vision-Opticare sector will facilitate the needs of medical and technical professionals in the mid-level eye care industry, showcasing the latest in ophthalmic, optometric and technical equipment, instruments and machinery.

The Vision-Lifestyle sector will feature the very latest in fashion eyewear and accessories, emphasising the strong style element of the fashion industry.

Also running alongside the exhibition will be the only specialised optometry conference in the region, the Vision-X Dubai Conference. Taking place from 19-20 February 2008 at Dubai International Conventional and Exhibition Centre, the event is co-organised by DWTC and the Emirates Medical Association Ophthalmic Society (EMAOS).

In addition, visitors to the exhibition can also experience the inaugural Vision-X Dubai Fashion Show. This prestigious event will run twice daily throughout the exhibition from 18-20 February 2008, showcasing new eye wear collections from a number of top international brands.

Vision-X Dubai will be held in Sheikh Rashid hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 18 - 19 February 2008 10am -7pm and 20 February 10am - 3pm.

The exhibition is open to trade and industry specialists' only, visitors and delegates can register now online. General public and persons under the age of 21 will not be permitted.