Indian giant moves to light up Mid-East energy market

A sub-continent market leader for over six decades, the Mumbai-based manufacturer believes the Middle East's power industry has the potential for lucrative new business.

"Dubai is one of the region's biggest trading hubs and an ideal platform from which to sell our range of commercial and industrial lighting products, in the UAE and throughout the entire region," said Sanjay Sharma, General Manager (International), Bajaj International.

"The Middle East is not a new market for us. In the past two years we have achieved regional sales of US $5 million. But there is a huge demand for lighting products and we expect to increase sales to 300,000 units a year.

"We will be announcing the details of our joint venture at a later date, possibly at or after Middle East Electricity," said Sharma.

Bajaj International's regional expansion drive will be switched on at the area's main power show, Middle East Electricity 2003, to be held in Dubai, in January. The company, which is making its regional debut at the show, will exhibit a wide product range including new technology aimed at making streetlights more efficient.

The company, that also plans to appoint a distributor network for the Middle East and Africa, will be exhibiting in a dedicated industrial and commercial lighting arena, the first of its kind in the region. The arena, running alongside the main show, has been launched in response to visitor interest and reflects heightened regional demand for lighting products.

"With billions of dollars being spent on infrastructure projects demand for industrial and commercial lighting is soaring. The arena will provide a showcase for the latest technology and brands," said Sarah Woodbridge, Exhibitions Director, Power and Energy Division, IIR Exhibitions.

The sector-specific forum will focus on the whole spectrum of the commercial and industrial lighting sector. It will feature the latest technology, including energy efficient and speciality lamps and highlight new business opportunities in the sector.

It is one of a number of innovations introduced for Middle East Electricity 2003 by IIR Exhibitions. Others include the staging of the 9th Annual Power Generation Summit, alongside the exhibition, and a dedicated area on the show's web site for new and renewable energy companies, as well as a separate section for lighting companies.