São Paulo – The Automechanika fair, to take place from June 11th to 13th, in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, should include the presence of 11 Brazilian companies seeking clients in the region. This is the ninth time that a collective stand is organized by the Brazilian Association of Auto Parts Manufacturers (Sindipeças) and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex).
According to the councillor of the spare parts replacement market at the Sindipeças, Elias Mufarej, Automechanika is one of the main fairs in the Arab world and receives potential clients from the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, making it possible for exhibitors to present their products to several buyers. Visitors of over 120 nationalities participated in the 2012 edition of the fair.
“In Dubai we may meet clients we already have and seek others in the Middle East and also South Asia. There is demand for our product, mainly for heavy vehicles, like lorries,” he said.
According to Mufarej, there is business potential with businessmen from Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan (the two latter in the Middle East, but not Arab). According to the organizers of the event, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq were the main destinations for products sold at the fair in 2011, which totalled US$ 9.9 billion in sales.
Mufarej also stated that Brazil’s main competitors at the fair are China, India, South Korea and Thailand. “Many clients end up opting for Brazilian parts as they know the quality, despite the greater cost,” he said. This edition should include Borghetti Turbos e Sistemas Automotivos (pipes), DHB Componentes Automotivos (steering systems), Duroline (brake parts), Fras-le (brake parts), Freios Farj (brake parts), Indústria de Borrachas NSO (rubber pipes), Indústria e Comércio de Autopeças Rei (rubber parts), Indústria Marília de Autopeças (electrical components), Indústria Metalúrgica Frum (brake parts), Metalúrgica Schadek (pumps) and Zen (starters and gears).
Although the companies of the Middle East and Asia are not the main buyers of Brazilian auto parts, their orders may help the sector compensate the fall in exports to the United States and Europe, some of the main markets, as well as South America. According to Mufarej, unfavourable exchange rates and low demand in Europe and North America have resulted in lower exports.
In 2012, sector shipments to clients in 186 countries totalled US$ 10.47 billion, or 5.9% less than was shipped in 2011. “For 2013 we are maintaining this panorama, but believe that the Middle East may help export,” said Mufarej.
Service
11th Automechanika Dubai
From June 11th to 13th
Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre
www.automechanikadubai.com
*Translated by Mark Ament
