Wood trade in Dubai continues to soar as value of re-exports touch AED 1.6 billion and exports grow by 222% in 2005

Enlarge Image

RELATED ARTICLES

• Dubai’s trade in wood and wooden products records major increase in 2004
• US hardwood exports to UAE touch USD 7.8 million
• Dubai Woodshow 2006 opens

Dubai’s trade in wood and wooden products continued its impressive growth in 2005 with the value of imports, exports and re-exports recording a major increase compared to 2004. According to statistics department of Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), the value of imports for wood and wooden products grew by 34 per cent in 2005 compared to 2004, while the value of exports increased by a whopping 222 per cent. Re-export figures also grew substantially in 2005 with the total value amounting to AED 1.6 billion, marking an increase of 32.5 per cent compared to the previous year.

These figures underline Dubai’s growing prominence as a primary trading hub for the regional wood industry, which also received a boost with the introduction of the Dubai Woodshow, the only dedicated wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East, last year. Major Wood industry players will now be looking to use the second edition of this show, scheduled to be held from February 27 to March 1, 2007, to take advantage of the opportunities Dubai presents for the wood and wood machinery industry.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director of Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, the organizers of Dubai Woodshow, said, “The kind of growth in trade of wood and wooden products achieved by Dubai in 2005 was very much expected, considering the pace of development the emirate has witnessed in the recent years, especially in the construction sector. Dubai’s strategic location and the high standard of logistical and infrastructural facilities available have fueled the impressive growth in trade for wood in the last few years.”

“The increasing demand for wood in Dubai is a result of the continuous construction boom the emirate is still witnessing,” said Engineer Hamad Buamim, Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI). “Acting as a main source of economic feedback and a provoking factor of business competitiveness, the DCCI has reportedly underlined a rise in the re-exports of wood and other wood-based materials during the past few years, not only because of the outstanding boom of the construction sector, but also due to the increase in the manufacturing plants of wood in Dubai, supported by the Building and Civil Constructions and the Building Materials Trading Business Groups that operate under the umbrella of the DCCI.”

Eng. Buamim pointed out that the DCCI continually supports holding trade exhibitions and encourage its members and the business community in Dubai to take part in such events due to its importance in helping them access new markets and establish strategic partnerships and explore more business opportunities in global markets. He assured that the participants and exhibitors of the Dubai Woodshow would help develop their potential in the wood industry.

Dubai Woodshow is supported by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Czech Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers Association (CWMMA). The show made its debut in April 2006 against a backdrop of heightened demand for wood and woodworking products in the Middle East, mainly due to sharp increase in construction activities across the region.

The second edition of the event is expected to triple the number of regional and international exhibitors, with nearly 90 per cent of last year's participants confirming their presence this year and several discerning regional and international firms expressing keen interest to debut at the show. Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions has announced that they are doubling the exhibition space for the coming edition of the show to occupy two halls. The show will have exhibitors from USA, Germany, UK, India, Singapore, Italy, Turkey, and UAE amongst others.

Dubai Woodshow 2007 will bring together manufacturers, traders, suppliers and distributors of plywood, MDF, veneer, laminates, parquet, paper products, treatment products, and wood processing & woodworking machinery. The event will also be attended by timber merchants, interior designers, furniture manufacturers, carpenters, architects, engineers, wholesale dealers, retailers, building material manufacturers and construction suppliers.

“Dubai Woodshow 2007 is certain to provide the right platform for key players in the regional and international wood industry to fully explore business potential and showcase top-quality wood products and wood machinery. The show brings together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and traders under one roof, giving them direct access to key decision-makers involved in the wood industry,” concluded Al Shezawi.

© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)