SteelFab to drive up import of machine tools to the Middle East

Already, the Middle East market for machine tools is substantial. In 2005, its total import to the region is estimated to have exceeded USD $ 2960 million.

Within the GCC, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the largest importers of machinery accounting for nearly 70% of the total imports.

During last year, the two countries together imported machine tools worth roughly USD $ 750 million.

Of this, UAE's share was approximately USD $ 246 million. Special industrialised machines were major imports in the category, crossing USD $ 135 million.

For Saudi Arabia too, special industrialized machines were on top of the machine tools import list with USD $ 278.51 million worth of imports.

Other imports in the category included machine tools with removal of material, machine tools without material removal, metal machine tools parts and metal working machinery.

"Demand for machine tools in the UAE has been experiencing a significant increase mainly due to the booming construction sector, rapid industrialization and a rise in downstream activities,"

said Mr. Fasahat Ali Khan, Acting Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Coupled with these factors along with the thrust on re-exports and the fact that the UAE is an established regional procurement base, the import of machine tools will further rise in the coming period," he said.

The UAE is third most important re-export center in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore respectively. In 2004, its total re-exports amounted to USD $ 27.65 billion.

"SteelFab is the ideal market entry vehicle for global manufacturers of machine tools eyeing the Middle East market," said Mr. Khan.

The three-day SteelFab, which will feature Steel, Fasteners, Accessories, Surface Preparation, Machinery and Tools, Welding and Cutting, Finishing and Testing equipment, and Coatings and Anti-Corrosion material, will begin at Expo Centre Sharjah on January 22, '06.

The event will feature machinery from Austria, China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Singapore, Slovakia, Switzerland, UK and USA.

It will also showcase welding and cutting displays from Austria, Belgium, China, Finland, India, Iran, Italy, Switzerland, Taiwan (ROC), Turkey, UK, and USA.

Given the focused profile of the show, a large number of trade visitors, especially fabrication yard managers, production managers, procurement managers, estimators, planning and design engineers, from across the Middle East are expected to visit the event.

SteelFab 2006 is being organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.