RIYADH, 29 January 2008 — Saudi businessmen in the ornamental plants and cut flowers industry and related fields are planning to attend the International Plants Expo Middle East 2008 (IPM 2008) from March 4 to 6 in Dubai.
“Local players in the plants and cut flowers industry have expressed plans to attend the three-day exhibit to find out what they can import for the local market,” Michael Mueller, managing director of Planet Fair Dubai, told a press conference at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel yesterday.
He said that the Saudi visitors will see plants in the expo probably for the first time since these are available only in other countries like Italy, Spain, Turkey, Holland and Egypt.
“They could cash in if they eventually decide to import these plants for the local market,” Mueller said.
Mueller took advantage of the press conference to invite Saudi entrepreneurs who had not yet heard about the expo but who might be interested to also attend. Local businessmen had been coordinating with the German Saudi Liaison Office for Economic Affairs (GESALO) regarding the expo. The GESALO is headed by Gerd Doepner, delegate of German Industry and Commerce in Riyadh.
“They could also coordinate it with me. They may email me at [email protected],” he said. Mueller said that IPM Dubai — to be participated in by more than 200 exhibitors from 25 countries — is expected to be attended by visitors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. It is backed by leading firms in the UAE like Al Huraiz, Alissar, Arabian Agricultural, Aramex Perishables, Dubai Flower Center, Intraflora, Gover Horticuoture and Shirin Flowers.
“After a highly-successful second event in 2007, we are already looking forward to the third, which is the IPM Dubai 2008. We want to establish with you the IPM Dubai in the middle of a climatically diversified trading area,” Mueller said.
Aldul-Karim Yaquob, executive director of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Saudi Arabian Chinese Businessmen’s Council, said, “We’re supporting the IPM Dubai 2008.”
“Saudi businessmen who will be at the expo may eventually order plants and cut flowers from the foreign exhibitors. This would eventually increase Saudi imports,” said Yaquob.
This year’s IPM, organised by Planetfair Dubai LLC and Messe Hessen GmbH in Germany, will be the largest and busiest so far, with a display area of 7,000 sq. meters hosting an array of plant producers, breeders, seed traders, landscape gardeners, retail centers, wholesalers, real estate developers, and local government officials.