Cyprus to have first AAME pavilion in 2005

In 2003, total Cypriot automotive sector exports to the Middle East amounted to US $ 15 million - marking a 50% increase on 2002.

The national pavilion, which has the support of the Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, will house nearly 25 companies specialising in automobile spare-parts, car-care products, radiators, electrical components and painting tools.

Exhibiting at AAME 2004, which is closing on Tuesday evening (March 30) at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Cyprus-based Total pack, which is helping to spearhead next year's pavilion, clinched first day deals with Saudi Arabia, Oman and Algerian companies worth US $ 600,000.

"With Cyprus joining the European Union, our import taxes will be lower by 20%, resulting in cost effective products and favourable trade agreements with the Middle East," said Georgios P. Constantinou, Managing Director, Total Pack Ltd.

"More and more Cypriot companies are choosing Dubai as their product distribution centre for the region. As a trade hub, Dubai plays a crucial role in the economic trade exchange between Cyprus and the Middle East. "The initiative to come back next year as part of a national pavilion is an indication of how seriously we take the Middle East market," added Constantinou.

AAME 2004, which is organised by International Expo-Consults (IEC), is the largest to date with a 20% increase in exhibitors over the 2003 show. The exhibition 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.

"The demand for the latest spare parts, components and accessories is being fuelled by one of the world's highest ownership of vehicles in the world," said Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, President, IEC. "This, coupled with the emerging Iraqi and Iranian markets, means the Middle East automotive aftermarket can only continue to flourish well into the next decade.

"Next year marks the show's tenth anniversary and we expect it to strengthen on this year's record breaking event. We have already had confirmation that Cyprus is bringing a 25 strong delegation and that Turkey has requested a 50% increase in space."