VescoPlastics to make Mid East debut at Seatrade

"The potential for marine business in the Middle East is very impressive at the moment," said Dr. J P Leger, CEO, VescoPlastics. "Compared to the rest of the world, where the effects of a recession in the maritime industry are still being felt, the Middle East seems unaffected and if anything, business is booming.

"Whilst we already do business in the Middle East, having an on-the-ground presence here with local partners will enable us to build brand recognition and increase sales activity in the region. Seatrade Middle East Maritime will bring together the region's shipping industry players and give VescoPlastics a tremendous networking opportunity."

As first time participants at Seatrade Middle East Maritime, VescoPlastics is also looking to demonstrate its distinctive product line-up at the event, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre from December 6-8.

"Dubai's potential for marine business is substantial and although there are similar products available in the UAE at the moment, we believe our brands have certain advantages over the competition," said Leger.

"Our main product, Vesconite, is a low friction material used for long life bearings, designed to operate with little or no greasing, making it a versatile and high performance replacement for traditional materials in anti-friction and wear applications."

South Africa is among 19 countries from which exhibitors have registered for the Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition, which the organisers predict will be triple the size of last year. Iran, Turkey, India and Pakistan will have first-time industry pavilions at the show.

"The growth in the Middle East region's maritime industry is bucking a global trend and we continue to see this with Seatrade Middle East Maritime attracting new exhibitors to the event," said Chris Hayman, Managing Director, Seatrade.

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; Gulf Energy Maritime PJSC (GEM); 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; 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.