Arab Asia Trade Fair gets under way at Expo Centre Sharjah

The four-day show was opened by Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"The confluence of several Asian and Arab countries at the show clearly indicates the confidence they have in the region. The diverse range of products being displayed stands testimony to the fact that the efforts at diversifying the GCC economies are moving in the right direction," Mr Midfa said.

National pavilions of five countries will form an integral part of the fair. The show, which will run till June 7, will feature national pavilions from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Sudan, Libya and Tunisia

Participating as a national pavilion for the first time, Vietnam will bring together 30 companies under the umbrella of Vietnam Trade Centre in Dubai.

"The show is offering exhibitors a platform to display a wide and diverse range of products from Asia and Middle East. This is a unique opportunity to do business with leading and reputed firms and producers from several countries under a single roof," he said.

Dignitaries present at the opening ceremony included Mohammed Salem Al Mosharrekh, Board Member, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Fasahat Ali Khan, Acting Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah; Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Manager, Expo Marketing Services; heads of government departments; diplomats; directors of trade offices and other dignitaries.

"As per a recent survey, the consumer confidence in the UAE and GCC states is very high. Then there is the recent wage hike announced by the government. These factors are set to boost consumption further. The bigger and better Arab Asia Trade Fair will go a long way in meeting the increased market requirements for consumer goods," said Mr Mosharrekh.

"The UAE is an untapped market for Vietnamese products," said Mr Ta Huu Thinh, Director, Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, ahead of the show.

"We see the UAE as a gateway to the GCC and other regional markets. Our main aim is to introduce Vietnamese products to local, regional and other markets and promote Vietnam as the right place to do business," he added.

The show profile includes food products, garments & textile, imitation jewellery, watches, paper products, toys & games, insulation materials, computers, gift items, automobiles, perfumes, kitchen equipment, water purifiers, furniture, ceramics and safety & security equipment.

The show is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah and supported by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The show will be open for trade visitors from 10am to 1pm and for trade and general visitors from 5pm to 9.30pm. Children under 16 are not allowed.