UAE among top four softwood lumber importers in GCC

In line with aims of expanding their network of trade partners in the global market, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organiser of the show, has announced that it is expecting an extensive presence of UAE-based companies at the upcoming 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009', which is slated to run from April 21 to 23, 2009 at the Central & East Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo.

In addition to softwood lumber, the UAE and the other three Gulf states are also major importers of hardwood plywood, with shipments from the Far East region reaching a total of $199.1m in 2007.

During the same period, the top four importers have purchased $193.3m worth of medium-density fibreboard (MDF); builder's joinery products with a total value of $145.4m; and 263,491 cubic metres of hardwood lumber, which amounted to $107.8m.

Having recorded significant and consistent annual growth in terms of exhibition area that signify the growing number of global exhibitors, the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009' is also aiming to offer UAE buyers an opportunity to network with established wood products suppliers from across the globe.

"The participation of companies as well as trade visitors from across the continents, speaks volumes of the relevance of the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009' to the international wood and wood working sector," said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions. "We have seen the importance of a steady supply of high quality wood products in the construction of property developments in the UAE, and it is our aim to give UAE-based customers access to high quality products from globally renowned suppliers."

Among the top UAE-based companies that will be at the event include Arab Technical Equipment LLC, Al Sayes Factories Equipment & Machinery Trading LLC and Agopian International Trading LLC, who will be showcasing state-of-the art woodworking machineries.

In addition, United Agencies, Alomi Real Wood Works LLC, Timberyard LLC, Danube Building Materials, UAE Enterprises, will also be at the event to highlight their top quality building materials, including windows and decors, floorings, plywood, veneer, hardwood and softwood, medium density fibreboards (MDFs) and laminates.

Furthermore, local organisations have signed up as the event's trade supporters, such as the UAE Contractors' Association, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), and the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID).

"It is our primary focus to reciprocate the continuous support of these local companies by improving the show in ways that can afford them more mileage in terms of international exposure for their products and networking opportunities with potential partners and customers. We are also eager to welcome the participating umbrella organisations as well as independent manufacturers, importers, exporters and buyers to this year's show," concluded Al Shezawi.

Regarded as a high-impact launchpad for new products from industry-leading companies, this year's show has attracted exhibitors from Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Malaysia, Portugal, UK, and the US.

Global organisations that have also confirmed their participation include the American Hardwood Export Council, Quebec Wood Export Bureau, Lithuanian Development Agency, Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association, ACIMALL, AFEMMA, French Timber and Malaysian Timber Council.

First staged in 2006, the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show' has successfully built a reputation as the premier event for the latest technologies and innovation on the wood and wood processing sectors.