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The event is endorsed by the Department of Economic Development, the body responsible for proposing the economic and commercial policy of Abu Dhabi, and in line with Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030, reaffirms the government's strategic commitment to the manufacturing sector and promoting investment in local industry.
"Abu Dhabi's sizeable investments in infrastructures, energy and the creation of numerous free and special economic zones are fostering growth in the industrial manufacturing sector,"
said His Excellency Mohammed Omar Abdulla.
"The significant increases in non-oil exports are critical to reach our objective of GDP growth. While government investment in infrastructures and utilities help provide a good environment in which to live, an essential part of this strategy is the empowerment of the private sector," His Excellency continued.
"The 2009 MEMEX exhibition will continue to encourage regional manufacturing growth, bringing together industry leaders and major companies with suppliers, service providers and subcontractors," said Ed Malkoun, Group Exhibition Director at IIR Middle East, the organisers of MEMEX.
With a 50% increase in machinery display space, double the amount of confirmed exhibitors, and 80% more pre-registered visitors than last year; the 2009 edition of MEMEX is the largest and most comprehensive yet.
"Despite the global economic crisis and project delays around the world, Abu Dhabi and the UAE have maintained heavy investment in the manufacturing sector, and major industrial projects like Industrial City of Abu Dhabi and Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone are on schedule. Our event has doubled in size this year in response to a high interest in these projects and demand for local and regional industrial production," Malkoun added.
According to official figures from the Ministry of Economy, the UAE's non-oil and gas manufacturing projects are worth a collective $20bn and account for nearly 300,000 jobs. These figures are poised to grow in the coming years as the government continues to emphasise investment in local manufacturing and economic diversification.
Since its successful launch in 2007, MEMEX has established itself as the region's leading industrial exhibition, facilitating exclusive business opportunities for the Middle East's manufacturing sector. The exhibition boasts an unrivalled breadth of exhibitors and visitors from all segments of the industry, from woodworking to downstream oil and gas manufacturing.
MEMEX offers a unique networking environment for suppliers and manufacturing organisations with current regional production to conduct business, and offers others an opportunity to source products, services, and solutions to ensure a successful launch in the Middle East industrial market.
Rana Mesbah
