International Autumn Trade Fair 2004 records growth of 30 per cent

The expanded list of exhibitors represents 25 countries compared to last year's participation of 507 exhibitors from 23 countries. The fair is expected to attract over 17,500 trade buyers, up 15 per cent from 15,236 buyers last year.

The participation by Hong Kong, featuring 225 exhibitors, has grown exponentially this year, reflecting the country's booming trade relations with the Middle East, and the UAE in particular, which is its single largest trade partner. In 2003, Hong Kong's trade with the Middle East grew 19 per cent, while that with the UAE was up nearly 27 per cent at US$2.868 billion compared to 2002.

Highlighting the business prospects of the 2004 edition, Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, the organisers of the show, said: "Given its proven track record among regional consumers, we are confident that the IATF04 will see a higher number business deals this year."

"Most exhibitors are coming back with new wares, a factor which underscores the effectiveness and usefulness of the fair as a regional showcase and launch pad of consumer goods. Besides the higher number of exhibitors, the fair is also expected to draw a bigger turnout of visitors this year," he said.

The popular five-day fair is one of the leading trade shows in the Middle East that brings together buyers and sellers in the consumer goods sector. This year, the fair will host the official national pavilions of six countries, occupying 80 per cent of the 15,000-square metre exhibition space.

The national pavilions include 225 exhibitors from China, 225 from Hong Kong, 15 from Bangladesh, 20 from Indonesia, 15 from India, 15 from Mauritius, 10 from Italy, 10 from Turkey, 25 from Iran, 5 from Romania, 5 from Croatia and 50 from the UAE.

Hong Kong's participation - Hong Kong in Style - slated to be its first ever major involvement in a Middle East expo, will feature an array of stylish and innovative products, ranging from electronics and gifts to timepieces and garments in Hall No 4 and 5A of DIEC.

In line with the past trends, participation from China continues to be enormous, with the pavilion being organised by CCPIT Electronics Sub Council, aided by its offices in the provinces of Ningbo, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Guangzhou. These provinces have been represented at the Autumn Fair since its inception.

Participation by Bangladesh is organised by the Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh, while that of Indonesia is by National Agency for Export Development, Mauritius by the Mauritius Industrial Development Authority and India by the National Small Industries Corporation.

The fair will be open to trade visitors on all the five days and to the general public on the last day.

IATF04 will unveil an exciting mix of products comprising cosmetics, foodstuffs, electronics, household appliances, plastic household products, toys, stationery, electrical items, handicrafts, carpets, garments, textiles, house ware, kitchen ware, sanitary ware, novelties, machinery, machine tools, hardware accessories and diary products.

Al Fajer has launched an extensive media campaign to attract trade visitors from all over the Middle East and neighbouring countries. "A massive advertising and media campaign is planned to promote the show in the Gulf region, Middle East, Iran, North Africa and the subcontinent," Mr. Khanna said.

"All channels including electronic billboards, hoardings, SMS, e-mail marketing, radio, TV and print media are being utilised to draw decisions makers from across the region. Aside from this, invitations are also being extended to trade visitors through a direct mail campaign targeting 50,000 potential visitors which is already on," he added.