Al Tayer opens biggest AAME

Speaking at the opening of the biggest Automotive Aftermarket Middle East (AAME) trade show, which runs at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC) until Tuesday night (March 30), Falaknaz said demand was coming from Iraq's need to maintain and repair its ageing transport fleet.

"Reconstruction in Iraq is providing huge business opportunities for the vehicle components and accessories industry, not only here in the UAE but also in those countries bordering the region, such as Turkey, Pakistan and India.

"There is a massive requirement for spare parts, components and accessories and once mandate and sanction issues have been clarified, demand from Iraq will increase substantially. After all, without reliable transport, reconstruction cannot take place. Dubai is ideally positioned to service this demand."

AAME 2004 is the largest in the event's nine-year history. It features over 200 exhibitors from 20 countries. China has the largest delegation, with 97 companies participating, followed by Taiwan, with 32 exhibitors and Turkey with 22.

AAME is organised by International Expo-Consults, (IEC), for which Abdul Rahman Falaknaz is the Chairman. It was opened today by Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, President, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Al Tayer said Dubai's world class business infrastructure ensures the right economic climate for companies targeting the region's rapidly expanding automotive sector.

"Dubai's liberal economic regulations provide a very flexible environment for companies to establish themselves in the region," said Al Tayer. "Dubai's status as the automotive aftermarket re-export centre for the Middle East is underlined by the 20% increase in the size of this year's show."

IEC says Dubai's automotive aftermarket re-export trade is worth up to US $1 billion, with heavy demand from the wider North African market, particularly the vast and lucrative Libyan market.