Optical 2004 attracts enormous overseas interest

'With over 97 exhibitors from overseas signing up for Optical 2004, with many of them being leading players in the industry worldwide, it marks a significant increase in international interest in the show,' said DWTC Director General Mubarak bin Fahad. 'It is clear from this encouraging response that the scope and reach of the exhibition has expanded incrementally and that it is now recognised as the premier event of its kind in the region and its surrounds,' Mr. bin Fahad added.

'Dubai is ideally placed as the trade, finance and business hub of a region that is noted for its high purchasing power and and increasingly mature market. It is also the ideal location to showcase and exhibit the latest trends and products to a potential market that numbers around 2 billion people. Optical 2004 provides just this opportunity to exhibitors to gain a foothold into and tap a market that is increasingly playing a key role in shaping the future of the industry in the region and beyond, ' Mr. bin Fahad stated

Exhibitors at Optical 2004 are drawn from all over the world and include leading names and brands from Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, India, China, Korea, Singapore Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Luxembourg to name just a few.

The largest representation country-wise among the exhibitors is the contingent from Germany, which is 19-strong and is drawn from participants across the entire spectrum of the optical and ophthalmic industry. Among the other large contingents are those from China consisting of 17 exhibitors, Korea with 15 participants, Italy with 9 and France with 8.

The product profile is vast and includes a wide spectrum of exhibits including spectacle frames and sunglasses, optical and ophthalmic lenses, accessories, tools and machinery, artificial eyes, optical and ophthalmic equipment and instruments, surgical instruments, spectacle lenses and lens cloths, ophthalmic consumables and eye care products, diagnostic equipment and instruments, refraction instruments and equipment, lens cutting instruments, orthoptic equipment, sports wear and safety wear among others.

Over the years the biennial exhibition has continued to attract a range of high quality visitors from the region and beyond, including importers, distributors, opthalmists, opticians and ancillary industry professionals, whose primary interest is to study the current and new products available in the market place, source and place orders for new products and to network with fellow professionals who are the best in the industry.