JEDDAH, 24 May 2004 — “The range and quality of both national and overseas exhibits demonstrate the strength of the ever-expanding market of the Kingdom,” Dr. Osama Abu Ghararah, deputy minister for internal trade, said here yesterday.

He had just inaugurated the annual lifestyle show — 22nd multisectoral trade expo for light industries, consumer goods, clothing, leather goods, fashion accessories, textiles and giftware, at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center.

More than 200 national and international companies are participating in the fair, which will run up to Thursday.

India’s multi-product delegation of 35 companies, organized by the Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce & Industries, is the largest participant at the show. “It’s an ISO 9000 chamber,” said Sunanda Rajendran, executive director of the Bombay-based chamber, adding that the participants are exhibiting a wide range of lifestyle products including abayas, scarves, dresses and embroidered items.

Ethiopia is showcasing coffee, spices, mineral water, flowers and leather jackets, its Consul General Tekleab Kebede said.

The Malaysian pavilion displays a variety of goods including electrical appliances, furniture, handicrafts and cereals. “Malaysia’s trade, which stands at $1 billion, continues to expand,” a Malaysian participant said.

Hong Kong is exhibiting products including fashion items and electrical gadgets, Michael Kong of the Dubai-based Hong Kong Trade Development Council, said.

Iranian exhibitor Kian Motamedi Kia of Tehran-based Nojan Rad Co. said the country’s exhibits, while inevitably heavy on carpets, also included many other consumer items.

Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, Turkey, the UAE and Yemen are among the other countries taking part in the show.

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has been assisting companies from member-countries to participate in expos, Dr. Talal Al-Mashadi, ACE deputy general manager said. “IDB has been helping participants with visas and financial requirements,” he said, adding that the bank would also help member countries organize their independent trade shows from 2006.

“The lifestyle show last year resulted in about $200 million in deals,” he said. The show also helps exhibitors to find new partners, agents or distributors.

The expo is open for businessmen and traders daily from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.