JEDDAH, 8 September 2004 — Growing interest among Saudis about commerce in Sharjah was indicated at a road show here yesterday. Expo Center Sharjah (ECS) organized the event in association with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) at the Jeddah Marriott. Saudi traders and investors who were present said they were impressed by Sharjah’s growing business vitality and were tempted to take advantage of the prospects for business “for our mutual benefit.”
Featured in the Sharjah exhibition were the 2nd Indonesia Solo Exhibition from Sept. 13-17, the 9th Thailand Exhibition from Oct. 3-6, and the 1st Auto Parts Re-Export Show from Oct. 11-13.
“About 150 Saudis attended all the three shows last year and their numbers are expected to be higher this time,” Majid Sultan Al-Hajri, ECS project manager, told Arab News.
Over 300 exhibitors will display a wide array of Indonesian products and services at the Indonesia Solo Exhibition, as part of the country’s continuing drive to diversify export markets. In its second phase at the show, Indonesia will feature a variety of displays of the traditional arts and dances from the country’s long and diverse cultural heritage.
The Thailand show will feature over 200 exhibitors displaying a wide range of its exclusive products and services. Last year’s Thai show attracted nearly 16,000 visitors from 58 countries. The exhibition continues its role as the region’s most effective sourcing ground for new Thai products as well as a platform for Thai companies to promote themselves in the Gulf.
Aside from focusing on the “One Tambon One Product” program, which was launched three years ago to boost Thailand’s cottage industry, this year’s show will attempt to highlight the Thailand Market Place (TMP), a new concept introduced by the Thai government. The product categories included in the TMP are marketplaces for kitchen, living, home and spa.
The auto parts re-export show will feature the UAE’s emerging role as a big re-export center within the region, said Binu Pillai, ECS business development manager. Saudi Arabia accounts for a sizable share of the UAE’s $11 billion re-export market for auto parts and accessories, he added. One hundred and fifty exhibitors from 15 countries will participate in the show, including China the United States, UK, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey and Iran.
