Top Italian glass industry body targets Middle East markets

The association represents more than 90 per cent of Italian companies operating in the machines, accessories and special products sectors for the glass working industry.

'Gimav's presence at the Glass, Ceramics, Minerals and Mining show underlines growing interest in the Middle East's fast developing markets from international companies based in Europe and elsewhere,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, International Expo-Consults, organisers of the show.

'According to a recent study the Middle East accounts for nearly 10 per cent of all international orders won by the world's top 225 contractors, fuelling the demand for glass and glass processing machinery. Region wide there's an increasing demand for new technology and suppliers in both the construction and industrial sectors,' said Falaknaz.

Italian exports of glass industry machinery, accessories and special products grew by 18.66 per cent in 2000 (latest figures available), while exports of flat glass rose by 12.10 per cent and hollow glass by 33.34 per cent, according to the Italian Central Statistics Institute.

The figures also show that exports of flat glass to the Middle East were valued at 12,903,293 Euros, while exports of hollow glass were worth 10,716,054 Euros.