Made in UAE exhibition to help boost trade, industry 

(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The inaugural 'Made in UAE' exhibition will help boost trade and also increase industrial sector's share in the country's gross domestic product, or GDP, according to top government officials.

At present, the contribution of the industrial sector to the GDP stands at 14 per cent and the UAE has chalked out plans to increase this to 25 per cent in the next 15 years, focusing on specific industrial fields such as petrochemical, food and value-added industries, among others.

On its part, 'Made in UAE' will offer the industrial establishments an opportunity to effectively showcase their cutting-edge products, their cost-effectiveness and logistical advantage to traders and dealers, thus boosting trade and becoming a key component that will drive the growth of the national economy.

The inaugural edition of Made in UAE exhibition will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah in 2013.

"Dates are not confirmed, but it is expected to be in the last quarter of 2013," Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general of Expo Centre Sharjah, told Khaleej Times at a news conference on Sunday.

Talking about target audience, Al Midfa said invites will be sent to other chambers in GCC to attract visitors from there, but at the moment UAE is the prime target.

The launch of the show and an agreement to jointly organise it by the UAE Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Expo Centre Sharjah was announced at the Press conference.

It was also addressed by Hussain Al Mahmoudi, director-general of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Sultan Jemei Obeid bin Jemei, exhibitions committee chairman of FCCI and deputy director-general of Fujairah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; and Ahmed Al Qaizi, director of Economic Affairs, FCCI.

"Our industrial sector has a lot going for it... what with the upswing in economic growth, focus on diversification and high oil prices. Together with Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry, we are providing a platform for the country's manufacturing units to ride this wave and showcase their excellence to regional and global trade partners and dealers," said Hussain Al Mahmoudi.

The number of non-oil manufacturing units in the UAE stands at 5,200 at the end of 2011, underlining the country's focus to reduce its reliance on the oil sector and highlighting the capability it has acquired in manufacturing. According to the UAE Ministry of Trade, the country's investments in the non-oil manufacturing sector amounted to nearly 11 billion in 2010.

"The UAE has been laying emphasis on promoting SMEs to drive inclusive economic growth. SMEs are the backbone of our economy and they represent majority of the firms registered in UAE. Apart from industrial majors, 'Made in UAE' will be an important event for SMEs to help achieve global competitiveness," said Ahmed Al Qaizi.

Al Midfa said: "There is a continuing shift towards global outsourcing of production, apart a phenomenal growth of regional supply chains to serve the surge in demand from rapid-growth markets. New markets are also opening up in Mena and Sub-Saharan Africa. The exhibition will be a fantastic opportunity for national firms to explore new markets, pursue new projects and boost expansion programmes."

"The exhibition will be a welcome boost for the industrial sector in the country. It will seek to further stimulate the industrial sector and push for increased sales and promotion of local products. The show will also be a good opportunity for local firms to trade directly with major trading partners of the UAE," said Sultan Jamea Obaid.

The exhibit profile of the show will cover food and beverages; textile and readymade garments; leather, wood, woodwork and furniture; paper and paper products; chemical and chemical products; oil, rubber and plastic products; metal and non-metal raw materials; machinery and other manufacturing equipment; ceramics and tiles; cement and concrete and other building materials. Apart from industrial units from across the country, the show will also bring together free zones, municipalities and government establishments.