H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad opens 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show 2009'

H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad opens 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show 2009'

Over 200 leading international and local players to showcase latest technologies and innovation in wood and wood processing

April 21, 2009

H.E. Sheikh Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment and water, has opened today (April 21, 2009) the 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show 2009', the Middle East’s only industry exhibition of its kind, which will run until April 23, 2009 at the Central & East Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo. Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions (SME), organiser of the show, has announced that over 200 leading players from 26 countries are set to showcase the latest technologies and innovation in wood and wood processing at the event. The fourth edition of the show is expected to attract 7,000 trade visitors within its three-day run.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad bin Fahad said, “The UAE is an open market for the wood sector, which has grown to become an important driver of this country’s economy. In line with this, the Ministry is supporting and encouraging local trade and manufacturing of wood products to address the need of the market. I am happy to learn that the show has witnessed growth from last year’s edition, and I am optimistic of the positive effect this will have on the local industry.”

A review of last year’s visitor profile revealed that the show has made a strong impact among regional players, with 73 per cent of the 5,000 attendees coming from the MENA region, and the rest from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia and North America. As a testament to the show’s potential in providing a global platform for organisations with various businesses in the wood and woodworking sector, 33 per cent of the visitors to last year’s event have identified the opportunities to acquire high quality products and services within the event.

In addition, 31 per cent of the participants have come to the show with high expectations to meet new contacts and expand their existing network, while 21 per cent were attracted to the showcase of new technological innovations. The organizers also revealed that 13 per cent of the attendees were drawn in by the chance to test products and benefit from the promotional pricing at the event, and the remaining 2 per cent came to acquire new industry facts and information.

“Following the excellent visitor turnout we have seen last year, we are delighted to have surpassed our previous record by 30 per cent with this edition of 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show 2009'. We are witnessing a stronger participation from both global and local exhibitors, which underlines the importance of this show among established and new players from across the globe. We wish everyone a fruitful participation and success,” concluded Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, SME.

Witnessing extensive participation from international companies from Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Malaysia, Portugal, UK, and the US, 'Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show 2009' has welcomed global organisations including the American Hardwood Export Council, Quebec Wood Export Bureau, ACIMALL, AFEMMA and Malaysian Timber Council. In addition, top UAE-based companies are also present at the event, such as Arab Technical Equipment LLC, Al Sayes Factories Equipment & Machinery Trading LLC and Agopian International Trading LLC. Local organisations who have signed up as the event’s trade supporters and sponsors are UAE Contractors' Association, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), and the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID).

AHEC to host networking event and workshop in conjunction with ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’

AHEC to host networking event and workshop in conjunction with ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’

Activities to provide ideal networking platform for importers, traders, manufacturers and specifiers of wood products

April 20, 2009

The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has announced that it will be hosting a networking event and workshop on the opening day of the ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’, which is slated to run from April 21 to 23, 2009 at the Central and East Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo. The seminar, which will be held at the Park Hyatt Dubai, is set to provide an ideal networking platform for importers, traders, manufacturers and specifiers of wood products, and educate industry professionals on the processes involved in getting American hardwoods out of the forest and into the market. Prior to this, AHEC also revealed that it would be hosting 20 US companies under the American Hardwood Pavilion at the exhibition.

The networking event is open to all importers, traders, manufacturers and specifiers of wood products and will present an opportunity to meet leading US Hardwood exporters. This is in line with the aims of AHEC to further increase the export volumes of US wood products to the region amidst the growth being witnessed by US hardwood lumber, veneer and flooring exports to the MENA region, which has topped USD 55.1 million in 2008 according to statistics released by the Council. Top experts from US companies are set to conduct the workshop, which will focus on all aspects of the production and distribution process, thereby providing trade visitors an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the US hardwood industry and its products.

“In addition to utilising the attendance of potential customers at the ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’, we have also identified this event as a strategic platform for networking and educating importers and customers regarding relevant industry practices,” said Roderick Wiles, Consultant, AHEC. “Our constant participation at the event underlines our appreciation of this global stage for the wood and woodworking industry, and we are looking forward to another successful participation this year.”

Sustained by the reliable and expanding US hardwood resource and a massive hardwood processing capacity, AHEC member companies comprise one of the largest groups of exporters of wood products across the globe, exporting top quality products including American hardwood lumber, veneer, plywood, flooring, dimension and components, and moulding. Among the American exhibitors who will be participating at the ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’ under the American Hardwood Pavilion include American Hardwood Export Council, Missouri-Pacific Lumber Company, American Walnut Manufacturers Association, Hermitage Hardwoods Lumber Sales, Oaks Unlimited Inc., Hillwood Products Inc., Prime Lumber Company, Baillie Lumber Company, Anderson Tully Lumber Company and the National Hardwood Lumber Association.

“We are anticipating this year’s event to yield favourable results for the American delegation, not only in terms of the value of successful deals and transactions closed, but also in extending the collaboration among US-based companies and their regional counterparts, especially in the UAE. Our commitment to the regional market is exemplified by our continuously growing participation in this event, and we are expecting this to further entrench our presence in the Middle East,” concluded Wiles.

Other US organisations participating under the American Hardwood Pavilion include AHC Export Lumber, Nina Company, LLC, Mississipi Development Authority, Frank A. Conkling Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, National Hardwood Lumber Association, Pike Lumber Company Inc., Virginia Department of Agriculture, Wheeland Lumber Company Inc., Turman Wood Group and Northland Corporation.

‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’ to host over 200 leading international and local players

‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’ to host over 200 leading international and local players

Leading wood and wood machinery event to kick off on April 21

April 19, 2009

Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions (SME), organisers of the ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’ has revealed at a press conference held today (April 19, 2009) at the Murooj Rotana Hotel, that it is hosting over 200 leading international and local companies and associations in the wood industry at the high profile event. Representatives from organisations participating at the show, which will run from April 21 to 23, 2009 at the Central & East Hall of the Dubai Airport Expo, were also at the press conference where they outlined the new offerings they are set to showcase at the event. Speakers at the press conference included Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, SME; Orn Gudmundsson, Chairman, American Hardwood Export Council; and Nawras Nidhal, Trade Analyst, Italian Trade Commission.

Leveraging the advantage of operating in the same location where the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show’ is being held, Dubai-based companies dominate the exhibition halls every year, bringing with them new innovative products and technologies for the global market. Among the top UAE-based companies who will be at the event include Arab Technical Equipment LLC, Al Sayes Factories Equipment & Machinery Trading LLC and Agopian International Trading LLC. Local organisations have also signed up as the event’s trade supporters, such as the UAE Contractors' Association, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI), and the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID).

Speaking at the press conference, Dawood Al Shezawi, said, “We are delighted to be hosting another event, which we are sure will surpass the records we have set in the previous editions in terms of exhibitor participation and range of products and technologies. The growth, which the 'Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2009’ has seen underlines our commitment towards providing an effective platform to further develop the wood sector in the Middle East and across the globe.”

In addition, international players have also steadily increased their presence at this annual gathering, with aims of tapping into the potential-laden regional market. Global organisations that have confirmed their participation include the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), Italian Trade Commission, Quebec Wood Export Bureau, Lithuanian Development Agency, Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association, ACIMALL, AFEMMA, French Timber and Malaysian Timber Council.

“The participation of 20 US exporters under the American Hardwood Pavilion is a testament to how we view this event as a strategic platform that can help us expand the reach of American Hardwood to the rest of the region. We are expecting to gain more regional partners, especially during the networking event and workshop, which we will conduct in the sidelines of the exhibition,” said Orn Gudmundsson.

”Our successful yearly participation serves as motivation to establish a significant presence in this event. We see Dubai as a key market for us and we are keen on building our business within this market. We believe that entrenching a strong presence within the region is a strategic move, as companies who have secured a steady position will be able to effectively leverage the opportunities within the market, especially when the current financial crisis ends,” concluded Dr. Simona Autuori, Deputy Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Commission.

First staged in 2006, the ‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show’ has emerged as the premier event for the latest technologies and innovation in the wood and wood processing sectors. The event aims to offer buyers, especially those from the UAE, an opportunity to network with established wood and wood products suppliers from across the globe.

About Dubai Woodshow 2009:‘Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show’ is the largest wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East. A highly specialised exhibition that assembles companies from the entire spectrum of the wood industry under one roof, the event offers exhibitors an excellent networking arena where they can build strategic relationships with buyers, traders and investors. The annual event has gained global repute for providing a platform for awareness campaigns and trading of a wide range of wood products, including MDF, plywood, hardwood, softwood, veneers, timbers, parquet, laminates, finished wood merchandise and paper products. Dubai Woodshow 2008 witnessed its strongest visitor influx, recording the attendance of 5,000 individuals, from wood and wood machinery buyers to investors and woodworking enthusiasts, marking a 35 per cent increase compared to the 2007 event.