Dubai Exports Targets GCC is Looking to Expand

Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development - Government of Dubai, will attend major international exhibitions in 2012 as part of its strategic objective of focusing on key sectors and potential markets. The anchor events were identified through extensive research into the capabilities of the emirate and interactions with Dubai Exports' members. As a result the events will largely focus on the Food '&' Beverages, Plastic Paper Packaging, and Constructions '&' Construction Materials sectors, and enable local exports in these sectors to target the fast-growing markets in Europe, Africa, the CIS and the GCC, according to Dubai Exports' press release.

The first major destination for Dubai Exports in 2012 will be 'Alimentaria,' which is -the leading food and beverages trade show taking place at the City Gran Via Exhibition Centre in Barcelona, Spain from 26 to 29 March. This major industry event focuses on specialty food and drinks sector, Alimentaria connects traders directly to a vast community of international retail chains, vendors and purchase decision-makers.

Dubai Exports recently hosted local exporters in a pre-departure briefing, highlighting the opportunities at 'Alimentaria' and the assistance programmes, resources and connections offered by the export promotion agency. "Dubai Exports closes in on the best and most-needed exposure for local exporters based on inputs from our Export Market Intelligence and Exporter Services Department. The focus is on enabling local exporters to be present in strategic markets and be among the first to establish contacts with potential customers," Mohammed Al Kamali, Director of Export Market Development at Dubai Exports, said in a press release.

"Food '&' Beverages, Plastic Paper Packaging and the Constructions '&' Construction Materials sectors have exceptionally high export potential and feedback from our Member Needs Survey calls for a stronger focus on these sectors in Europe, Africa, CIS and the GCC," added Al Kamali. Following Alimentaria, Dubai Exports will take local companies in the Constructions '&' Construction Materials sector to the 9th edition of Project Qatar, to be held in Doha from 30 April to May 3. A key event for sourcing state-of-the-art technology, equipment, materials and services to the booming construction sector in Qatar and the GCC in general, Project Qatar will have the largest-ever UAE pavilion this year with a 2,000 square-metre exhibition area.

Africa will be under the spotlight for Dubai Exports in July 2012 with 'Africa Big Seven,' the only event dedicated to the Food '&' Beverage industry in the continent, scheduled to be held at the Gallagher Convention Centre Midrand in Johannesberg from 15 to 17. Africa Big Seven will have seven co-located events, each focusing on vital components of the food industry, chiefly retail trade; retailing technology solutions; fresh produce and processed foods; food '&' beverage technology and packaging; meat industry; hospitality and catering.

SIAL, the multi-speciality food exhibition to be held in Paris from 21 to 25 October will see Dubai Exports heading to Europe again in 2012. One of the top food exhibitions in the world, SIAL will bring together 19 sectors under one roof to propose competitive solutions for the major challenges faced by the global food industry. Visitors to SIAL include retailers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and purchase managers dealing with food products as well as catering solutions providers. Dubai Exports will also lead key players in the construction equipment, materials and services sectors to the 'Saudi Build 2012' exhibition, slated for 11 to 14 November in Riyadh. Companies attending Saudi Build can gain valuable exposure to leading buyers, distributors and decision-makers in the construction industry in the entire Kingdom.

Traders and exporters of high quality packaging material in Dubai will be able to target the European market in 'Emballage,' an international showcase of packaging technology, processes and materials taking place in Paris from 22 to 25 November 2012. Dubai Exports will lead a delegation to the event allowing local exporters to be part of the product display and business networking at the event, expected to attract nearly 100,000 trade visitors. "Participating in these anchor events allows our member companies to target buyers from a wide range of locations, typically exceeding 60 nations. These events are also reputed for the high volume of business leads and contracts they generate and for opening up new markets for firms looking to expand their footprint," said Al Kamali. In addition to the anchor events, Dubai Exports also participates in various trade missions and joint committee meetings organises by ministries and other government agencies concerned to promote regional and international trade.