JEDDAH, 2 June 2003 — Local importers lined up deals running into several million riyals for imports related to the booming building and interior decoration sector during a five-day expo that ended here over the weekend.
Turkey, which had a big pavilion, reported that all of its participating companies had a “rewarding experience.”
“All of our nine companies have reached new arrangements for a fresh volume of exports,” Turkish Commercial Counselor Ozkan Aydin told Arab News. “Our products showcased at the expo have received a positive response from local traders,” Aydin said. “We hope to further expand our bilateral trade this year; our $535 million exports last year will get a fresh boost this year.”
Thailand, another overseas participant, had enthusiastic inquiries for its furniture and decoration items. “We’re hopeful of increasing our overall exports this year, from $395 last year,” Thai Commercial Counselor Pichai Saengpongchawal said.
Other overseas participants included the UK, France, Germany, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iran, Kuwait, Spain, Sweden and the UAE, aside from many local trading companies. The expo had more than 8,000 registered visitors, mostly businessmen and professionals, according to the organizers, Al-Harithy Co. for Exhibitions.
Jeddah Mayor Abdullah Al-Muallami, who opened the show, said the exhibits were an example of the rapid development in the Kingdom’s building construction sector.
The Saudi Umran Society hosted seminars alongside the show and offered free consultation to visitors on building and construction industry projects.
