(MENAFN - Arab News) Saudi Build 2011 & Saudi Stone-Tech 2011, a major business-to-business construction and stone technology event in the region, have ended with over 22,500 visitors and 700 exhibitors from 34 countries taking part in the four-day showcase at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Held with the support of Municipal & Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour bin Miteb, the show also welcomed national pavilions from 14 countries.
"The participating Austrian companies at Saudi Build have expressed their serious interest in the Saudi construction market, stressing on the excellent outcome of the event in terms of the number and quality of the trade visitors," said a representative from the Embassy of Austria in Saudi Arabia.
"It gives us the opportunity to access this emerging market and display our advanced and modern products and technologies," he added.
The official also said that the growing volume of Austria's building material exports, which amounted to SR340 million in the first half of 2011, is a key driver for local private companies, given that the Kingdom accounts for a major percentage of this figure.
He said Austria exports various types of building materials to the Kingdom including pipes, railway building materials, wood, furniture and other distinctive building tools and products.
Moreover, a representative from the Embassy of Belgium in Saudi Arabia said that Belgium's exports to the Kingdom had increased by 25 percent in 2011 amid the ongoing growth in the Saudi market, also pointing out to the significant cooperation of Belgian and Saudi companies to provide building materials and technologies for the current projects in the Kingdom.
The source also shed light on the importance of Saudi Build and its distinctive role in gathering industry leaders from all over the world, while also providing the opportunity to access the unique and promising Saudi market.
Mohammed Al-Hussaini, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said the remarkable success of Saudi Build 2011 has reaffirmed its position as the premier platform that supports the sustainable growth of the region's construction industry.
He said the show witnessed major interest and attendance from special guests, and saw the participation of Yamama Cement as the diamond sponsor.
Saudi Build 2011 provided a dedicated platform to showcase the latest offerings in building materials and equipment, architectural finishing products, construction tools and technology, engineering services, infrastructure materials, security and safety systems, among others.
The event gathered high-profile business leaders from the Kingdom and around the world, diplomats and high-ranking Saudi government officials.
It also attracted hundreds of exhibiting companies from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, collectively offering a comprehensive collection of the latest construction products and services.
Saudi Stone-Tech 2011 catered to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services.
Saudi Stone-Tech featured designers and landscapers showcasing cutting-edge stone products, including marble, granite, travertine and stone derivatives, as well as cutting, polishing and manufacturing machinery.
