AHEC to host networking event during Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show

The seminar, which will be held at the Park Hyatt Dubai, is set to provide an ideal networking platform for importers, traders, manufacturers and specifiers of wood products, and educate industry professionals on the processes involved in getting American hardwoods out of the forest and into the market.

Prior to this, AHEC also revealed that it would be hosting 20 US companies under the American Hardwood Pavilion at the exhibition.

The networking event is open to all importers, traders, manufacturers and specifiers of wood products and will present an opportunity to meet leading US Hardwood exporters.

This is in line with the aims of AHEC to further increase the export volumes of US wood products to the region amidst the growth being witnessed by US hardwood lumber, veneer and flooring exports to the MENA region, which has topped $55.1m in 2008 according to statistics released by the Council.

Top experts from US companies are set to conduct the workshop, which will focus on all aspects of the production and distribution process, thereby providing trade visitors an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the US hardwood industry and its products.

"In addition to utilising the attendance of potential customers at the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009', we have also identified this event as a strategic platform for networking and educating importers and customers regarding relevant industry practices,"

said Roderick Wiles, Consultant, AHEC.

"Our constant participation at the event underlines our appreciation of this global stage for the wood and woodworking industry, and we are looking forward to another successful participation this year."

Sustained by the reliable and expanding US hardwood resource and a massive hardwood processing capacity, AHEC member companies comprise one of the largest groups of exporters of wood products across the globe, exporting top quality products including American hardwood lumber, veneer, plywood, flooring, dimension and components, and moulding.

Among the American exhibitors who will be participating at the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009' under the American Hardwood Pavilion include American Hardwood Export Council, Missouri-Pacific Lumber Company, American Walnut Manufacturers Association, Hermitage Hardwoods Lumber Sales, Oaks Unlimited Inc., Hillwood Products Inc., Prime Lumber Company, Baillie Lumber Company, Anderson Tully Lumber Company and the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

"We are anticipating this year's event to yield favourable results for the American delegation, not only in terms of the value of successful deals and transactions closed, but also in extending the collaboration among US-based companies and their regional counterparts, especially in the UAE. Our commitment to the regional market is exemplified by our continuously growing participation in this event, and we are expecting this to further entrench our presence in the Middle East," concluded Wiles.

Other US organisations participating under the American Hardwood Pavilion include AHC Export Lumber, Nina Company, LLC, Mississipi Development Authority, Frank A. Conkling Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Pike Lumber Company Inc., Virginia Department of Agriculture, Wheeland Lumber Company Inc., Turman Wood Group and Northland Corporation.