Italian lifestyle expo registers 70 per cent growth, to feature 250 exhibitors

Registering a spectacular growth of about 70 per cent, the four-day event will witness the participation of over 250 exhibitors as against the 140 in the previous edition.

The exhibition space sold too has doubled with the exhibitors occupying 8,000 square metres in two halls this year compared to 4,000 square metres in one hall the previous year.

Companies exhibiting under the umbrella of the Italian Trade Commission will occupy one full hall.

The event will be held under the patronage of Sharjah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi and will run from May 24 to 27.

The exhibit profile of Italian products which are well-known for their uniqueness, universal appeal and high standards of quality will include building materials, gift items, furniture, home furnishings and home decorations, crystals and glass, lighting, food products, garments and fashion accessories.

Italy is one of the biggest trade partners of the UAE along with the US, UK, Japan and Germany. In 2004, Italy's exports to the UAE totalled 2.13 billion euros as against 1.94 billion euros the previous year. Its import from the UAE amounted to 251.4 million euros. In 2003 it was 182.2 million euros.

At present there are over 80 Italian companies in the UAE operating in various fields like oil and gas, exploration, civil engineering, energy, banking, airlines, shipping, trading, steel production and refrigeration.

Besides the display of a wide range of products, a major highlight of the exhibition will be the conferences that will be held on the sidelines. They will give traders from both Italy and the UAE a chance to interact and explore business opportunities that exist in their respective countries.

Another highlight of the event will be the live demonstrations where artisans from Italy will be showcasing their skills in arts and crafts. Live cooking sessions will give gourmets a peek into the intricacies of Italian cuisine.

The show is expected to scale new heights in popularity and register record sales given that the region is experiencing a boom in residential and commercial property development, coupled with high consumer spending which is rated among highest in the world.

A total of 9,000 visitors, both trade and general, from 35 countries visited the previous show. For most of the exhibitors the show turned out to be an excellent platform for promoting their products not only in the UAE but the whole of the Middle East region.

While the previous edition of the show introduced the Italian companies to the local market, the second edition will help them to build on the business relationships established during the first show and strengthen their presence in the region.

The exhibition is jointly organised by Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE & GCC Representative Office, ARTEX, and Expo Centre Sharjah and will be supported by the Italian Trade Commission in Dubai and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.