New Zealand attracts big interest at Big 5

With the support of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), the New Zealand government's economic development agency and Tradex Exhibitions Ltd., the companies represent strong expertise in construction and sustainable building solutions.

Commenting on the participation of New Zealand companies at Big 5, Dr. Trevor Matheson, New Zealand Ambassador to the GCC, said: "This year's Big 5 couldn't have got off to a better start. We have had a fantastic response to the building solutions on display from New Zealand."

"With the conclusion to the Free Trade talks between New Zealand and the GCC, there will be more opportunities for Kiwi companies here and also for regional companies looking to enter the New Zealand market," he said.

Craig Armstrong, NZTE Operations Director- Specialised Manufacturing, adds: "Exports to the Gulf region have grown by over 200 percent since year 2000 and the manufacturing sector now forms 65 percent of New Zealand's total export market. There is no doubt that the GCC market is vitally important to specialized manufacturing for New Zealand and the strong response we have received at Big 5 confirms that," he said.

Exhibiting companies include FrameCad Solutions, Pultron Composites, Global Timber Homes, AHI Roofing, Structurflex, Scottsdale, Howick Limited, Kristil, All Proof Industries, Ultra Corporation Limited, Softtech, Planhorse, Autex and Chant Productions. In addition, others including SiteSafe, A Ward Attachments, Hunza and Methven are visiting the exhibition to establish industry contacts.

Mark Taylor Chairman of FrameCad Solutions, a company that delivers advanced steel frame design and building solutions added: "So far the Big 5 Show has gone really well for FrameCad. We have launched new production machine technology and cladding products into the Middle East market for the first time and the feedback has been great. We are expecting to get many orders from our time here at Big 5."

The GCC is New Zealand's 7th largest trading partner and participation at events such as Big 5 help New Zealand companies forge stronger relations with companies based in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.