Italian companies seeking to make inroads in Gulf markets at Optical Middle East in February

The biennial exhibition, which attracts numerous exhibitors from Europe, South Asia and the Middle East, is a popular event for optical and ophthalmic industry professionals. Organisers say interest among European companies is high this year as they seek to make their mark in a Middle East market that is estimated to be worth US$2 billion (Dhs 6.5 billion).

Earlier this year, industry officials noted that the UAE remains Italy's top Middle East market, with exports rising 14.3 per cent to AED 5.95 billion in 2000. The UAE displaced Saudi Arabia as Italy's top Middle East export market in 1999, however the Kingdom continues to remain a major destination for many optical providers, with Kuwait and Oman also constituting key markets.

According to the Italian Trade Commission, Italy is currently the UAE's fifth-ranked partner after the U.S., Japan, the U.K. and Germany.

"Several Italian companies will be showcasing their new lines at the exhibition in a bid to make inroads in the Gulf region, among the Italian companies that have already confirmed are Area S.R.L. of Milan, Fedon Giorgio & Figli S.P.A. L.T.L. S.P.A., Po-Le Optik S.A.S., and Revert SRL," says Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Corporate Manager, Exhibitions at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

LTL S.P.A. says that its gross sales in 2000 were valued at about US $40 million, with 60 per cent of its current market based in Europe, 20 per cent in Africa and 10 per cent in the Middle East and Gulf markets.

According to LTL representative, Mauro Maloberti, the bulk of LTL's Middle East sales are currently in Saudi Arabia and the company is hoping to increase its presence in the UAE and other Gulf countries through its participation in Optical Middle East 2002.

"We will be showcasing our Suprema Eye Guard Lenses at Optical Middle East 2002 which repel harmful electro-magnetic waves produced and emitted by electronic apparatus such as computers and televisions. We will also showcase the Nupolar polarized lenses line at the exhibition," said Maloberti.

Meanwhile Area S.R.L. will feature its newest eyewear lines, which include a range of popular brand-names among them Genesis, Cheyenne, Frecce Tricolori and the Hippo Kids collection. Fedon Girogio & Figli Spa will showcase Fedon spectacle cases and accessories while Po-Le Optik SAS will feature a range of high-quality metal and metal-plastic combination spectacle frames. Revert will showcase its two newest collections - Polar, which features a fresh, young design combined with high-quality crystal lenses and KLIK optical frames which includes a new titanium collection with about 100 models to chose from.