Spanish companies eye Middle East construction market in a bid to escape global economic crisis

Javier Serrano, Promotion Manager of Anmopyc, the Spanish Association of Construction and Mining Equipment). said at the Big 5 PMV exhibition in Dubai today that Spanish companies can draw great confidence from an impressive spell of Spanish success abroad in terms of exports, in stark contrast to the leaner times they are enduring in Spain due to the global economic crisis.

Serrano said, "Anmopyc members exported 36% more products - such as dumpers, dump trucks, truck mixers, formworks, bridge cranes and equipment and plants for precast products in 2007 compared to 2006.

"Meanwhile, in Spain, the financial crisis is seriously affecting the market because a lack of liquidity not only has an impact on households as many people cannot get mortgage loans, but also on companies who cannot find financial support for their construction projects," he said.

The Big 5 PMV, which opened for business yesterday, was officially inaugurated today by Helal Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organised by Streamline Marketing Group and located at Dubai International Exhibition Centre in Car Park C, the event runs until Thursday.

In line with the strong desire for Spanish firms to capitalise on the ongoing construction boom in the Middle East, Spanish participation at the Big 5 PMV, the region's premier exhibition dedicated to plant, machinery and construction vehicles has also increased. For the first time, a dedicated Spanish pavilion has been set up to showcase the finest of Spain's construction industry.

"Spanish companies participating in this year's Big 5 PMV are hoping to impress potential Gulf customers. We are pleased to be part of the show, as our members consider the Big 5 PMV to be the region's leading event in the PMV sector,"

Serrano said.

The Spanish pavilion features a diverse range of construction companies including manufacturers of chaser machines, tower cranes and a company which makes wearing parts (teeth and adapters) for earthmoving equipment.

Serrano said Spanish companies have a great deal to offer developers and contractors in the Middle East given their commitment to quality and excellence, which has allowed strong exports to some of the world's leading countries.

"Spanish equipment has an excellent value at present," he said. "The excellent quality, after-sales service and competitive price provided by Spanish companies has allowed them to compete with German, American and Japanese firms, which are among the world's construction industry leaders. Anmopyc members have been exporting their products successfully for years and are setting an example for other Spanish companies considering this region as a part of their expansion abroad."

Nick Webb, Director, Streamline Marketing Group, said:

"The Spanish pavilion looks impressive and we're pleased to see Spanish participation at the show increasing each year. The exhibition will provide a unique opportunity for some of Spain's leading construction suppliers and manufacturers to meet and do business with some of the region's top contractors and developers."