Green Middle East to host special segment on eco-friendly products

The initiative is also aimed at giving a major fillip to several initiatives - such as labelling green products, rating performance of companies etc. - launched by civic bodies and corporates in the country that has one of the world's highest per capita environmental footprints.

According to an agreement signed recently, the region's premier environmental management and technology exhibition and conference - Green Middle East - held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, will feature a special segment that will showcase green alternatives for products that are used at home and work.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, which organizes Green Middle East, and Mr. Gregor Konrad, owner of Vienna-based Concept Agentur für Marketing & Kommunikation and its marketing and distribution arm, Select Economy.

As per the agreement, Select Economy will co-organise a special section at Green Middle East 2013 - titled 'Middle East Green Products' - spread across 4,000 sqm of exhibition space that will host about 100 companies, mostly from Germany and Austria, focusing on green products.

"Our government, civic bodies and several public and private establishments are striving hard to embrace the green wave sweeping the region. Green Middle East was launched a couple of years ago to act as a catalyst to help all stakeholders adopt clean technology. Now, with Middle East Green Products, we aim to penetrate the consumer market with products, which, when compared to non-eco alternatives, do the same job and look and feel just as great or better," said Mr. Midfa.

"For businesses, eco friendly practices can not only save money but also contribute to realizing the vision of the UAE's leaders, apart from providing social and environmental benefits that are immense in their value," he added.

With the UAE planning to invest up to $20bn in the green sector in the near future and issuing rules and regulations to back up its move to go green in a big way, manufacturers and dealers have been quick to sense the opportunity.

"Germany and Austria are home to innovative companies that produce high-quality green products and services and lots of them are interested in a new export market that has the potential like the UAE," said Mr. Konrad.

"Select Economy is proud to partner with Expo Centre Sharjah. We saw a big advantage in Sharjah - it is more individual and personal, and companies never feel that they are just one among thousands like they feel while entering other cities. Through the Middle East Green Products, we will promote a greener lifestyle here," he said.

"Looking at the import-oriented market here, we are planning a product range that covers food & beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, household articles, products for animals, games and toys for children," added Mr. Konrad.

Select Economy focuses on offering marketing & distribution services and organizing hundreds of events in Austria and Germany in the past several years and will utilize its expertise in co-organising the Middle East Green Products, which will be a one of its kind event in the region.

The Middle East Green Products will be an integral part of the third Green Middle East exhibition and conference slated to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from 28th to 30th October 2013.

For its second edition last year, Green Middle East left two indelible marks in the regional meetings and exhibitions sector as well as the green industry - the successful organization of the first Green Middle East Environment Excellence Award and its decision to go carbon-neutral, a first for any show in the region.

Green Middle East 2012 brought together 80 exhibitors and brands and attracted over 3,000 trade visitors, reflecting the strong presence and growing interest in opportunities in environmental management in the region.