UAE autoparts suppliers eye Iraq market

Although accurate figures are not available, locally-based industry sources estimate that before the month-long war Iraq accounted for more than 5% of re-exports of automotive spare parts from the country's free zones and ports.

Speaking in advance of next week's Automotive Aftermarkets Middle East 2003 (AAME), the region's leading international trade show for automobile parts, accessories, tyres, batteries and garage equipment, UAE-based dealers said they expect demand for vehicle components to soar in the wake of the war.

'A sizeable population, the vast landscape, forcing longer driving distances, punishing climate, old minimally maintained cars and a population eager to move on with their lives after years of deprivation, make Iraq a very lucrative market for the auto spares sector in the post Saddam era,' said Suhail Siddiqi, Customer Relations Manager, TASRA Auto Spares Company.

'Air conditioning parts, water pumps, air filters and brake components are likely to form the bulk of what is imported into Iraq. Tyres and suspension parts will also be in high demand.'

Siddiqi said his company, a leading Sharjah-based supplier of spare parts for US-made cars, is already working to establish contacts with Iraqi importers, who own spare parts outlets or supply existing outlets.

'United Nations approved MoU programmes to import these esstential commodities are not the easiest to work with. However, our past experience of doing business with Iraq has taught us the market has a massive potential, a professional and highly trained population and that we have to keep faith that things will only get better for the Iraqis,' said Siddiqi.

Among other UAE companies participating at AAME 2003 will be 2000 Star Trading; ACT General Trading; Al Tasalsul Car Accessories; Exedy Middle East; Eiko Wijaya; Koprulu Trading; Landis General Trading; Launch Tech Mena and Solar Auto Spare Parts.

Organised by International Expo-Consults, AAME will be held for the first time at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from May 6-8. It will feature over 150 companies from countries across North and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Far East and Australasia.

'The timing of AAME means that the show can help drive exports and re-exports of vehicle components, so critical to the reconstruction process in Iraq, into top gear,' said Mohammed Falknaz, Vice President, IEC.

'Dubai is the trading hub of the Middle East and has long-standing business links with Iraq. UAE companies are ideally situated to benefit from the huge commercial opportunities that will arise as Iraq re-opens for business.'