Jordanians prepare for Dubai

Ms Jan Fillingham, MBE, the international director and head of exhibitions of the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers' Association (BEAMA), which is sponsoring the visit, confirmed in London this week that the Jordanians will use MEE's abundant networking and conferencing opportunities to discuss Jordan's requirements with almost 40 British executives representing a host of top British companies.

The Jordanian delegation comprises Dr. Audih Al-Faoury, of Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Marwan Bushnaq, general director of the Jordanian Electric Power Company (JEPCO), Mr. Khaled Said, the National Electric Power Company's managing director of transmission affairs, Mr Tareq Abdul Asis Hasan , director of the Electronic Services and Training Center at the Royal Scientific Society, Mr Nedal Al-Zatari, general manager of Energy Management Services, and Mr Muheeb Abu Rahmoun, director of MAG Engineering & Contracting Company.

Iraq
The series of meetings takes on added significance following on from agreements signed in November last year between Jordan and Iraq. The agreements center on rehabilitating Iraq's ailing power grid and the provision of training for Iraqi personnel.

Now in its 29th year, MEE is highlighting power generation, an apt emphasis given the burgeoning demand for power in GCC countries. Another two focus areas are lighting and renewable energy. MEE, the largest power & electricity exhibition in the region, will run from 15 to 18 February at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and has attracted representations from around 40 countries. It will feature 15 national pavilions, the largest of which will be Germany's.

China
The People's Republic of China (PRC) is participating for the first time. With 30 of the country's companies on their way to Dubai, China is aiming for a hefty presence, evidently prompted by rapidly rising Chinese exports to the Middle East region.

Figures supplied by PRC Customs reflect that electrical sector exports jumped 43% to US $244.81 million, from January to April 2003, compared with the same period for 2002. Exports to the United Arab Emirates alone were up 26% on the first four months of the previous year. Demand for space at MEE is running high. Sarah Woodbridge, IRR Exhibitions director, says it is sold out. 'We have filled five exhibition halls, but now we've had to take even more space.'