Goodyear backs launch Tyre Industry Meet

'This vertical industry forum is one of a series of B2B initiatives we are launching at the show to testify our commitment to servicing the industry, expand the reach of the exhibition and boost the event's on-site order book, which last year topped US $5 million,' said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, International Expo-Consults (IEC).

Goodyear's commitment to 'Tyre Industry Meet' comes less than a year after the tyre industry major relocated its Middle East headquarters to Dubai from Europe. 'We decided to back this initiative because AAME is an international event where we can meet decision makers from throughout the Middle East and surrounding areas,' said Derek de Villiers, Managing Director, Goodyear Middle East FZE.

'The Middle East is a very important market for us as it exceeds the growth potential of other areas, such as Europe and America. The buoyancy of this region is due to its increasing population and continued economic growth.'

According to Goodyear, last year saw the industry sell some 25 million tyres into the Middle East.

'Some countries in the region, which covers the whole of the Middle East, North and West Africa, are registering annual growth of up to 5%. Another contributory growth factor is the fact that local product is virtually non-existent and re-treading is still in its infancy in most countries within the Region'

Goodyear will have its own dedicated module at the 'Tyre Industry Meet' which aims to bring together sector-specific exhibitors and buyers.

'Tyre Industry Meet' will have private discussion areas and participants can pre-arrange business meetings with more than 40 of the Middle East's top industry buyers in pre-agreed 30 minute sessions with an agenda tailor-made to delegate requirements,' explained Falaknaz. 'This will speed up business relationships and the purchase decision-making process,' said Falaknaz. 'The forum will cover all sectors of the tyre industry, from new and allied products, to retreaders, casing and used tyres.'

Running over the three days of AAME, 'Tyre Industry Meet' will take place at the Airport Expo Dubai from April 9 - 11 next year. AAME already has national or industry pavilion commitments from Australia, the USA, India, Italy, Turkey, Taiwan, Pakistan and Spain.

IEC - organisers of the exhibition - anticipates AAME, previously known as Autoparts Dubai, will grow by 1,000 square metres next year to an all-time high of 2,500 square metres.

'More than half the floor space has already been reserved and with six months of sales activity still before us, we are confident of the outcome,' added Falaknaz.