São Paulo – This year, Brazilian companies will have a larger space in which to exhibit their products at the Big 5, the Middle East’s leading civil construction fair, held annually in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Brazilian pavilion will have 12 booths with a combined 126 m² of area. Last year, there were eight booths with a total area of 72 m². Brazil’s participation in the event is promoted in partnership by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex).
According to the Arab Brazilian Chamber’s Marketing coordinator Karina Cassapula, the Brazilian pavilion grew because there was a heavy demand in last year’s edition. “In 2012, many companies were interested in participating but not all were able to. Now is the time. The dollar is bullish, and that favours foreign sales,” said Cassapula.
Five companies have confirmed their presence in this year’s edition, due from November 25th to 28th. The companies are in the stone, paint, and metal businesses. There are also booths for interested parties. The rental fee for each space is R$ 13,250.00, but Arab Brazilian Chamber associated companies enjoy a 30% discount. For these companies, the investment is R$ 9,275.00. The deadline for registration is September 29.
Varied audience
According to the final report released by the fair’s organizers, the 2012 edition of the Big 5 received 60,331 visitors from 140 countries. Of those, 33,300 visitors were from the United Arab Emirates, 6,600 were from Europe and 5,200 were from Asia. Out of the fair’s total visitors, 85% said they were seeking new suppliers, and 46% were there to meet with suppliers they were already customers of. There were 2,371 exhibiting companies from 65 different countries. Companies in various sectors of civil construction are showing their products at the event. There are companies active in the following industries: tractors, solar energy systems, construction information technology, scaffolding, glass, marble and wood, among others.
The Arab Brazilian Chamber Marketing coordinator said Brazilian companies attending the fair usually see good results. According to her, visitors at the show appreciate quality products with good finish and innovative design. She also said Middle East customers are not the only ones who attend.
“The Big 5 reaches the public in the Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait), but also in other Arab countries, as well as Russia, China and some of Europe. Dubai is a hub and therefore the event offers great opportunities,” said Cassapula. One day before the fair begins, the Arab Brazilian Chamber will hold a seminar on investment and business opportunities in Brazil, focusing on the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro. The event will be held in partnership with the Trade and Export Middle East magazine, and should be attended by Middle Eastern businessmen.
Service
The Big 5 International Building & Construction Show
November 25th to 28th, 2013
Dubai World Trade Centre
For information, contact the Arab Brazilian Chamber Commercial Department
Tel.: (+55 11) 3147-4130
Email: members@ccab.org.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
