São Paulo – The upcoming edition of the leading construction fair in the Middle East, Big 5, due November 25 to 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, should see more visitors and less competition among exhibitors. The forecast was made by industry executives at the Seminar on Civil Construction Industry Opportunities in the Arabian Gulf, held this Thursday (10th) at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
Michel Alaby, the Arab Brazilian Chamber CEO, said the market has rebounded strongly following the crisis of 2008 and 2009 in Dubai, but that this is yet to be reflected on the number of participating companies at the event. In 2009, for instance, 3,143 companies exhibited at the fair, whereas this year, 2,410 participants are expected.
“The companies have not all returned to the Big 5. This means there is less competition,” said the executive, pointing out that while the number of companies should be lower, visitation is set to increase. “The number of attending buyers is expected to be up 10% to 12%,” he said. Last year, the event received over 60,000 visitors.
Rubens Hannun, the Arab Brazilian Chamber Foreign Trade vice-president, discussed the importance of companies having a constant participation at the fair. “The Arabs work based on trust. They need to know the supplier will not leave. This constant Brazilian presence will give them the trust they need,” he explained, noting that the Chamber has attended the Big 5 since 2003. The Brazilian stand at the event is organized in partnership with the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex).
Mauricio Buccini, a trader for the paint company Universo Tintas, which will attend the fair this year, confirms the importance of keeping a steady relationship with Arab clients. “We are hoping to close a cycle initiated in 2010, when we went to the Feicon fair (in Brazil), where we came into contact with a client from Abu Dhabi, Cristal. This year, the Arab Brazilian Chamber brought a delegate from the company to the Confederations Cup buyer project, he paid a visit to our headquarters, and we will meet with him at the Big 5,” the executive explained. It will be the company’s second time at the fair in Dubai. “We will go to the fair to meet with this executive, and also to try and break into new markets,” he says.
The seminar also presented the main importing sectors in the Emirates, such as electrical material, ceramic material, construction plastics, paint, wooden doors and windows, among others. “In 2012, seven Brazilian companies participated, and they made over 1,000 effective business contacts,” said Alaby.
Major projects underway in the Gulf include the building of the new Doha International Airport, in Qatar, with a budget of US$ 11.1 billion, and expansion works at airports in the cities of Muscat and Salalah, in Oman, with a combined US$ 4.7 billion budget.
The CEO also said that one day prior to the fair, a seminar on trade and investment in Brazil will be given to foreign businessmen. “The idea is for you to be able to engage in networking at this seminar,” he explained. The participating companies will also be allowed to attend the seminar.
For this year, five companies have confirmed their presence at the fair: Itagres (ceramic facing), Tramontina (sinks and bowls), Universo Tintas, PBA Stones, and Pettrus (both the latter are ornamental stone companies). “We still have slots open, and ten companies are interested, so it’s best to hurry,” said Alaby.
Service
Big 5 fair
November 25 to 28 in Dubai
The cost of participating in the fair is R$ 13,250 (approximately US$ 5,990 at current exchange rates). Arab Brazilian Chamber member companies enjoy a 30% discount, and pay R$ 9,275 (US$ 4,195).
For additional information call (+55 11) 3147-4066 or send an email to members @ccab.org.br.
Website of the fair: www.thebig5.ae
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
