Sheikh Abdullah and Chairman of MATRADE inaugurate the Caravan Malaysia 2003 exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah

They were accompanied by high-ranking diplomats, dignitaries and businessmen from Malaysia, the UAE and other countries. The exhibition, which has a run up to the 24th of December 2003, is the last leg in a series of exhibitions organised by the Malaysian government in the Arabian Gulf.

Speaking on the importance of having a stronger trade relationship with Malaysia, Mr. Mohammed Salem Al Mosharrekh, Board Member of Expo Centre Sharjah, said, 'As Muslim countries, Malaysia and the UAE share many common traits which could be used as a means to further expand trade activities and forge stronger trade linkages.

As a step towards this objective, the Sharjah government is currently considering to provide land near Expo Centre Sharjah for setting up a permanent commercial centre of Malaysia in Sharjah. Also, the efficient and busy transportation network between Malaysia and UAE will further facilitate and enhance trade links,' he concluded.

Speaking on the business opportunities offered by Malaysia, Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Deputy Director General of Expo Centre Sharjah said, 'In the international market today, Malaysia has differentiated itself as a provider of high quality, niche products, including hi-tech products.

Caravan Malaysia 2003, which has a unique concept of displaying products in their functional environments, will act as an excellent window to Malaysia's lucrative business potential. At the same time, the exhibition will act as a catalyst to further expand the range and volume of products and services traded between both the countries.

'We are happy to say that we have received a very positive response from businessmen from the UAE and neighbouring countries, a large number of them having pre-registered to visit the show,' he noted.

'Through innovation and enterprise,' said Mr Mohammed Mustafa Abdul Aziz, Consul General of Malaysia, 'Malaysia is actively trying to diversify its revenue base. Correspondingly, relations between Malaysia, the world's 17th largest exporter and the UAE have been growing stronger by the day. Exports from Malaysia to the UAE have grown from US$ 452.17 million in 1995 to USD 858.48 million in 2002, a growth of 89.86%. At the same time, imports to Malaysia from the UAE have risen from US$ 23.78 million in 1995 to US$ 130.60 million in 2002,' he ended.

Malaysia is aiming high on both the trade and tourism fronts and has been encouraging foreign direct investment from the Arab and Muslim world in addition to attracting various types of tourists. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), for example, has made an investment of US $300 million. On the tourism front, tourist arrivals in Malaysia from the Middle East in 2001 were placed at 127,000 and the trend has been growing.

Covering a space of 4,000 square meters, the 5 day event features 200 companies showcasing over 2500 products and services. Included are the latest digital entertainment technology and smart home gadgets including cars and buses.

The exhibition emphasizes on quality, style, innovation, technology and functionality of the products. It covers sectors such as electrical and electronics, automotive and transportation, ICT, rubber, food and agriculture, furniture, building and construction, handicraft, plastics, education, healthcare and hospital services, telecommunications, wood products etc.

A special section of the show is dedicated to Malaysian Brand Names, where the leading Malaysian brands are highlighted in a multimedia format.

The exhibition will also act as a window to Malaysia's rich culture, with daily cultural performances, handicraft demonstrations and other presentations offering a taste of Malaysian culture to visitors.

The show is open everyday from 20 to 24 December 2003, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm to traders and from 4.30 pm to 9.30 pm to the general public and trade.