Hardware + Tools Middle East provides the ideal networking and business platform for the regional trade, and an atmosphere conducive to doing business, as our event attracts decision makers including department store managers, importers, co-operative buying groups, specialist contractors, government & municipal officials, procurement officers and industry buyers and suppliers from the region,” said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

Buoyed by the region’s construction boom, US hardwood product exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region reached AED 191.6 million (USD 52,2 million) during the first ten months of 2007, a rise of 32.3 per cent from the same period in 2006 according to the United States Census Bureau. To further maximize the increased demand for US hardwood in the region, the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), the leading international trade association for the US hardwood industry is promoting their products in the region.

European woodworking exports to Middle East region on the other hand crossed AED 894.3 million (165 million Euros) from Germany and Spain in 2007 as the Gulf states imported more woodworking machinery, tools for the woodworking, clipboard and veneers. Germany's woodworking exports to the region amounted to AED 574.5 million (106 million Euros in 2007), while Spain's exporters managed to secure AED 319.7 million (59 million Euros) deals last year. However, Spain's woodworking exports to the UAE remained high as it crossed AED 65 million (12 million Euros) last year.

<