Conmex Middle East got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah today

Present at the opening ceremony were Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr Fasahat Ali Khan, Adviser to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah, officials of various government departments, and members of the diplomatic corps and trade associations.

Speaking after the opening of the show, Mr Midfa said the real estate market in Sharjah is a matured one and the global financial crunch will no way affect the construction projects in the emirate and the country.

"Though the inflow of foreign capital might have slowed down, regional as well as local investment in the sector continues to remain strong and this will propel the sector to greater heights," said Mr Midfa.

He also referred to the government support to the financial sector in the country, which, he pointed out, will go a long way in ensuring that there is enough liquidity in the market and maintaining the growth momentum in all sectors of the economy.

According to UAE Central Bank statistics, the construction sector in the country grew by more than 25% in 2007 the highest increase among key contributors to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

The sector shot up by 25.4% from Dhs46.4bn in 2006 to Dhs58.3bn last year, the Central Bank figures showed. It was the country's fastest expanding industry, surpassing growth in the dominant oil sector, which stood at 18.5%.

In the GCC, the construction industry, including projects that are under way as well as those in the planning stage, is valued at nearly $2 trillion in nominal terms.

Mr Midfa urged industry and trade representatives to take full advantage of the exhibition. "Conmex Middle East is a comprehensive trade event for construction machinery, equipment and vehicles that can offer complete technological and services solutions to the sector," he said.

The show is occupying a total exhibition area of more than 30,000 square metres. Nearly 300 brands from over 30 countries including Germany , Italy, UK, USA, Turkey, India, Iran, China, Taiwan, Singapore, UAE, etc. are exhibiting at the event.

"The unprecedented construction activities in the region have thrown up several opportunities for the sector," said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan.

"Conmex 2008 will be the ideal platform for industry representatives to shop for their latest high-tech equipment, technological expertise for various types of buildings, and the right machinery and related products and services for their projects in the region," Mr Khan said.

A major highlight of Conmex is the live demonstration of tower cranes, forklifts, earthmovers, concrete batching plants, and other light and medium range machinery, equipment, and vehicles, in the display area outside Expo Centre Sharjah.

"It is a one of its kind show that has both indoor as well as outdoor displays, thus enhancing the visiting experience," Mr Khan said.

A seminar on "How to control time delays and budget overruns in building projects" will be presented on the 20th and the 21st of October at the Conference Hall of Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Another major highlight of this year's Conmex will be the product launches to be held on the sidelines of the event. More than 40 product launches were held at the previous show, which attracted more than 8,000 trade visitors from 65 countries,"

added Mr Khan.

Trade visitors to Conmex can expect to not only explore business opportunities, network and finalise deals but also get a clear picture of technological breakthroughs taking place in the field globally, added Mr Khan.

The show is jointly organised by IMAG, Messe Munich, organisers of BAUMA, and Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibition organisation of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

IMAG is a member of the Munich International Trade Fairs Group, which is the organiser of BAUMA, the largest construction machinery show in the world.

"For many years the Middle East region has had special significance for IMAG. This significance is growing even further, since the region is now the most dynamic place in the world, where the economy remains exceptionally strong and vibrant, and mega projects are still the order of the day despite the financial crisis gripping the rest of the world," said Mr Harald Mueller, Managing Director of IMAG.

"BAUMA features more than a half million square metres of exhibition space, making it by far the largest and certainly the most impressive exhibition ever. We will bring the international know-how and expertise to Conmex Middle East,"

Mueller added.

The four-day Conmex 2008 is displaying machinery and equipment, earth moving and road construction machinery, construction and commercial vehicles, plant and machinery for asphalt, concrete, cement and stone, tools and special systems, attachment, spare parts and accessories, communication and navigation equipment, safety equipment and other related products and services.

It will attract top decision-makers and representatives from the construction industry, contracting companies, traders and distributors, stockists of construction machinery and equipment, service providers, consultants, renting and leasing agencies, public administration and building authorities from the entire region.