German, Dutch, British and French national pavilions to participate in ENVIRONMENT 2005

Besides the above countries, the event is poised to receive participation from a host of other countries from around the globe.

'The UAE continues to provide political and technological leadership in the field of environmental protection for the entire region', said H.E. Juergen Steltzer, German Ambassador to the UAE said today, commending the UAE as a striking example of what can be achieved when natural resources are invested wisely.

'German scientists and engineers have developed a high technology standard in the field of environmental management. At ENVIRONMENT 2005 and we will showcase the technological ability we have developed, in order to protect and preserve the natural environment while maintaining economic growth', added H. E. Steltzer.

Commenting on the rapid growth rates that the region has witnessed, H. E Steltzer said that economic growth of the region itself will increasingly depend on how sustainable the economic development is in ecological terms. He also remarked that environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources is a priority issue for the German federal government.

Mr. John Gardner, Head, UK Trade and Investment, British Embassy, UAE said, 'The UK environment industry is strong, well established, diverse and includes world class businesses that supply markets in the UK and throughout the world. We can provide a wealth of specialist skills and services in this sector and therefore, the ENVIRONMENT 2005 exhibition is an excellent platform for UK companies to showcase their first class products and services'.

'The UK will have a truly diverse group of exhibitors at the exhibition. These include companies dealing in air quality monitoring equipment, waste management, asbestos monitoring and environmental training services. We believe that the UAE can offer favourable opportunities for UK companies across the board in the Environmental sector' he added.

The Dutch Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) and the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) has initiated the Netherlands Pavilion at ENVIRONMENT 2005. 'The Netherlands pavilion will be almost 150 square metres and the purpose of the pavilion is to build further on the relationship between the UAE and the Netherlands. Several Dutch companies are already active in the region and the products and services displayed in the pavilion are focussed on the water sector' said Mr. Roy Agterbos, Coordinator of the Netherlands Pavilion at ENVIRONMENT 2005.

'The Gulf region faces many problems in the area of water management and water resources. Given the experience, know-how and expertise of Dutch companies, we believe a combined approach on many issues and project initiatives can be started. The Netherlands pavilion will showcase our wastewater treatment products and integrated water resource management services', added Mr. Agterbos.

The French pavilion at ENVIRONMENT 2005 is being co-ordinated by UBI France, the French agency for international business development. Fifteen companies from France are part of this pavilion. The exhibitors at the French pavilion range will focus on Clear Water / Waste Water Treatment, Water Quality Control, Air Quality / Industrial Emissions Control and Environmental Management Studies.

In parallel with the exhibition, a scientific conference on 'Sustainable Transportation in Developing Countries' will be organised by Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) and the General Exhibitions Corporation (GEC).