Portugal to participate at INDEX 2006

Among the participants of the Portuguese Pavilion are some of the world's largest manufacturer of interiors finishes, used to export to high quality markets, such as USA, Italy, France or Spain among many others.

Through the continuous work of the Portuguese Trade Centre (ICEP) office in Dubai, the Portuguese companies are now more aware of the exceptional potential of Middle East markets and the role of Dubai as business hub for the region.

Carlos Carvalho Costa, Director of the Portuguese Trade Centre, commented 'INDEX is an important vehicle of communication to the furnishings and interiors market in the Middle East. Portuguese products carry international reputation for their stirring combination of high quality and outstanding design, at a highly competitive pricing. Portuguese innovation is one of the priorities of the textiles brand names as the result of constant investment in research and development of new modern manufacturing technologies that can be seen on new innovative products as per example fabrics that are fire retardant, anti bacterial sheets for hospitals or fabrics with therapeutic and hydrating properties .
New compositions and blends that offer improved performance in relation to touch, maintenance and drying are appearing every day with new surprises, to make daily living easier, simpler and safer. The international awards gained by Portuguese brands and increasing recognition by economic agents and consumers are the best proof of this constant evolution'.

The Portuguese companies participating this year in INDEX will cover a large range of products. Home textiles (bath towels, tapestry, bed and table linen), ceramics (decorative and domestic), table ware, art work (paintings, frames), lightning, kitchen equipments and decorative accessories are some the sectors represented in the Portuguese Pavilion.

The Portuguese business delegation participating in INDEX 2006 will count with some heavyweights in the industry. Quality textile companies such as Borfil, Bovi, Texteis A.M.Sousa, Sorema, Vianatece are prepared to serve with a high standard of quality the hospitality industry and the home sector presenting a wide range of bath towels and robes, bed and table linen. The Art work sector will also be represented in the Portuguese Pavilion. Companies such as Polo JP and Ernesto Santos will delight the visitors with paintings, sculptures, mirrors, framed glass and other decorative products such as carpets and lightning are also brought by Carving.

The ceramics, an important Portuguese economic sector, will be represented by prestigious companies such as Porcel (table ware porcelain), Grestel (specialized in stoneware with attractive colors and styles), I.G.M or Juliarte (companies specialized in decorative ceramics such as vases, table centers, lamps or candle holders)

Renowned worldwide for producing products that provide quality, design and functionality at a competitive value, Frasa and António Meireles will present their attractive kitchen wear, highly resistant for today's highly active family life and hospitality business.

Finally to complete this 5* team, we have Probos one of the largest manufacturers of edge banding for the furniture industry or Sonae Industria a major global player in the wood based panels industry (Raw Chipboard and Raw MDF, Chipboard melamine and veneer faced).

Costa added 'These are very competitive companies, with high quality products, capable to answer to the large scale and iconic projects of Dubai and, at the same time, to create a distinguished sense of comfort, design and elegance in any home, at an affordable price.'

The Portuguese Pavilion can be found in Hall 3 & Sheik Rashid Hall.