First Italian Lifestyle Exhibition ends on successful note

The exhibition had witnessed an impressive turnout of trade visitors, and a large number of participants, on conclusion of the Show, reported that they had received several trade queries that may materialize in to successful deals in the near future.

The four-day Exhibition, which featured 120 Italian companies and occupied 4,000 square metres of space, was visited by a total of 9, 000 visitors from 35 countries, both general and trade.

Countries from which trade visitors flocked to the Show were Afghanistan, Algeria, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, United Kingdom, Vietnam, Yemen and United Arab Emirates.

A majority of the exhibitors were of the opinion that the Show was an excellent platform for Italian companies interested in promoting their products, not only in the UAE, but the whole of Middle East region.

For Italian companies, the Show was the first step towards establishing dialogue with local commercial establishments, which would culminate in to meaningful business relationships later.

"Considering that this was the first edition, the turnout of trade visitors was very encouraging. We are happy with the response that we have received during the show and are considering participating in the next edition," said Mr. Renato Aprile, owner of Parquet Aprile, an Italian company specializing in installation and processing of solid parquet.

"The Show is a very effective platform for us to introduce our products in the region," he added.

Another exhibitor, Mr. Francesco Albani, Key Account Manager of Artefedelta' SRL, an Italian company dealing in reproduction of antique paintings, also echoed similar sentiments.

"This was our first time participation in an Expo, and that too in a foreign country. I must admit that it was a very interesting experience for us, and we are hoping that this experience would get repeated the next time we participate in the Show," said Mr. Albani.

Both the organizers as well as the participants in the event felt that the visitor turnout at the Exhibition, which was just in its first edition, had crossed all expectations. They attributed it to the large scale publicity that the Show had received and the interest that was generated in the region as a result of it.

Over 60 journalists from both GCC as well as other countries ensured that the Exhibition got coverage on a daily basis during the four days. The excellent media coverage coupled with a steady stream of trade visitors convinced most of the exhibitors that the Show held tremendous potential for them in the region.

"Middle East is a lucrative market for Italian products and this exhibition is serving the role of a launching pad for Italian companies keen to introduce their products in the region. Many trade visitors have shown keen interest in our products," said Mr. Ali Shabaan Rabbia, owner, Giuseppe Fantozzi & C.S.N.C, a Turin-based company engaged in manufacturing lighting equipment for homes as well as the hospitality sector.

The Italian Lifestyle in the Emirates Exhibition was jointly organised by Italy in the Emirates, ARTEX, and Expo Centre Sharjah, and was supported by the Italian Trade Commission in Dubai and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Items on display included building materials, gift items, furniture, home furnishings and home decorations, crystals and glass, lighting, food products, and garment and fashion accessories.