Ultimate trade event for logistics industry opens Sunday

The three day event is promising to be the biggest convergence of leaders from the industry specifically targetting the freight, cargo, logistics, distribution, warehousing, airport, ports, construction and manufacturing sectors.

The show has attracted over 80 exhibitors from 24 countries, and has grown by 30% from its last show held in 2003. International exhibitors will come from the UK, Holland, Italy, USA, Germany, France, and Sweden along with a very strong showing from the suppliers in the UAE.

According to Amanda Westerman, Group Exhibitions Manager at Epoc Messe Frankfurt, this growth is a reflection of the dynamics of the market, the growth of trade and industry in Dubai and throughout the region. "Current statistics show that Dubai's imports grew by 20% to a record $29.6 Billion in 2003 and re-exports jumped to $10.27 Billion in 2003 from $8.06 Billion in 2002, so it is only normal that we see a surge in demand for logistics and supply chain services."

Dubai continues to be one of the busiest import and transhipment hubs. Figures reported by Dubai Ports Authority for 2004 record throughput of 6.42 million TEUs, a growth of 24.6 percent over its handlings in 2003. Also in 2004, Dubai ports emerged not only as the 10th largest, but also the world's third fastest growing ports.

Airfreight too is growing in line with the general fast moving trend. "Testament to this are the new airports being built in Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi, as well as the expansion of Cargo Village at Dubai Airport," added Ms Westerman.

"We are very pleased to have won the support of various departments and associations, such as Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation, the Dubai Ports Authority, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, the Supply Chain & Logistics Group, and the Materials Handling Technology Association, VDMA."

The show has attracted some of the biggest names in the industry, regionally and globally, with 6 national groups confirmed from 6 countries including Germany, Italy, India, France, UK and Holland. Exhibitors include FAMCO's Storage and Handling Solutions, Siemens, Zerwa, Span I.T. and Automation Solutions, SSI Schaefer Middle East, Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar, Al Shirawi Enterprises.

"We have set out to create the ultimate event for the entire industry, for both sellers and buyers. It will also provide great new ideas, be an excellent venue for networking and to see what the world has on offer in terms of materials handling and logistics," said Ms Westerman.

Visitors will be able to see the latest forklift trucks, also being demonstrated, storage solution, shelving systems, conveyor belt systems, automated warehouse doors, IT solutions and much more.

"As it takes place every two years, this show is a must see event for such a fast paced industry intent on keeping up with the growth and the competition," concluded Ms Westerman.