Chemtex & Corrosion Middle East set to grow by 30 per cent

"Bookings for 2006 are running at a high level underscoring the growing worldwide interest in the region's petrochemical and chemical sectors," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, International Expo-Consults (IEC), event organisers.

"Apart from its own indigenous production, the region imports more than US $15 billion worth of petrochemical and chemical products annually. In addition the International Energy Authority forecasts that demand for Middle East oil will rise by 72%, to 40 million barrels a day, by 2010, creating strong demand for chemical process and anti corrosion technology. International companies are therefore prioritising the region in their strategic growth plans.

Reporting healthy early bookings for next year, IEC said the event will, for the first time, feature separate industry arenas for the oil and gas and packaging sectors.

"This initiative is in response to industry demand voiced during this year's successful exhibition. Keeping in mind worldwide trends, the inclusion of these dedicated forums will ensure a highly focused show for both exhibitors and visitors," said Falaknaz.

"The next show will also focus on seminars and sessions from industry experts and decision makers. These interactive sessions will highlight international trends, developments in the Middle East and investment opportunities in the region."

Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2004, held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from September 14-16, featured 45 companies from 15 countries. China, with its first national pavilion, had the largest delegation of 15 companies, followed by the UAE. Other countries that took part were Belgium, Egypt, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.

The exhibition attracted 3596 trade and business visitors from 43 countries spanning the Asian sub-continent, Europe, Australia, Africa, the Middle and Far East and North America.

The show was supported by Dubai's Department of Economic Development and Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2004, was inaugurated by Ahmed bin Byat, Director General of the Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, it had a renewed focus on chemical process technology, an initiative taken by IEC in response to strong industry demand.

"Low feedstock prices give the region an unparalleled production cost advantage," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice President, IEC. "This, combined with more liberal foreign investment rules and willingness by governments to invest in the latest downstream chemical process technology, is helping drive double digit sector growth and stimulating international interest in the region."

A post-show survey revealed that 80% of the exhibitors were satisfied with their participation at the show and rated it a success. Over 70% of the companies indicated their interest in participating in 2006.

Iran's SINA Chemical Industries picked up orders worth more than US$ 800,000 from four Dubai companies on the first day of the show.

Mohammad Ghodrat, Commercial Deputy at the company which specialises in resins, said: "This is the first time we have participated and have already done some good business. Our current exports are worth US$ 3 million, so taking part has been a major boost to these sales."

The Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation (METDC) is also set to return with a pavilion.

Arif Nasir, Marketing Manager, METDC, said: "We had more than 100 enquiries on the first day of the show and the potential for Malaysian companies in the Middle East market is tremendous. We are particularly focusing on the booming regional construction industry."

According to IEC, visitors gave the show a strong rating in terms of quality and business prospects.

Farook Ali, a Marketing Executive working with a Kuwait-based general trading and contracting company specialising in steel galvanisation and sand blasting said, "The quality of exhibitors was good. I confirmed a number of business meetings to identify possible joint ventures."

Abid A Al-Haddad, Commercial Manager of Abdulazi's Trading Est. in Saudi Arabia said he visited the show to source products for his clients. "I was very sure that I would find cosmetic chemicals and speciality chemicals companies there. I met with some Chinese suppliers and manufacturers and hope to do business in the coming months."

Meanwhile, Fouad Soueid, Senior Commercial Officer of the Canadian Consulate was on a scouting mission with a view to exhibiting in 2006.

"I went to see the market potential with a view to Canada exhibiting next year. The quality of visitors was high and my report will in all probability lead to our participation in 2006."

Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2006 will take place from 23 - 25 April 2006 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC).