Indian Engineering Group sets up in Sharjah

The group, which manufactures engineering parts including bimetal plain shaft bearings, pistons and valves, has established PBW International in Sharjah, offering more than 1,000 components for the marine industry.

Naresh Patel, a partner in the firm says: "We have some automotive customers in the Middle East but this is our first move into the maritime sector in the Gulf.

"This is a fast expanding industry with the UAE the focus for the whole region and we see tremendous potential for our company."

The new venture will be a trading operation backed by its manufacturing plant at Rajkot, Gujarat and Patel said that they hoped to expand into Dubai Maritime City when it is up and running.

He adds: "We need to build relationships with shipping agents, repairers, shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers and we will be going to Seatrade Middle East Maritime this year to make more industry contacts."

Seatrade Middle East Maritime, a three-day exhibition and conference, will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6-8. The show has, to date, attracted exhibitors from 19 countries and strong first-time participation from Iran, Korea and Pakistan. The organisers say the show is set to triple in size from 2003.

"The growth in the region's maritime business is attracting new exhibitors from a host of sectors ranging from engineering firms to insurance companies keen to exploit opportunities in this market," said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade. "With five months to go, almost 80% of the exhibition space has already been allocated, particularly following a very positive response at the recent Posidonia show in Greece."

This year's event will have four distinct conference streams - General Shipping, the first Dubai Commodities Conference (organised in association with Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre), the fourth Seatrade Middle East Cruise Conference and a one-day conference on the expanding SuperYacht market in the region.

Seatrade Middle East Maritime is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The event is sponsored by Dubai Maritime City; Dubai Ports Authority; Government of Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing; and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL).

Other sponsors include Aalborg Industries A/S (Dubai branch); Aqua Group; Arabian Adventures; British Airways; Castrol Marine; Clyde & Co; Dubai Metals & Commodities Centre; HSBC, Instone International; Lloyd's Register; Maritime London; Net Cruises; Nico International; Norton Rose; Scan-Trans Chartering LLC; and Sharaf Shipping Agency LLC.

Supporters of the event include Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Dubai Shipping Agents Association; National Association of Freight Logistics; Indian National Shipowners' Association; the Nautical Institute UAE Branch; and UAE National Ship Suppliers' Association.