São Paulo – A group of 23 Brazilian companies should exhibit their products to buyers from the whole of the Middle East at the Index Dubai, the largest furniture fair in the region, to take place from November 14th to 17th, in the United Arab Emirates.
The Brazilian participants should cover an area of 897 square meters and should show furniture, including beds, crystal cabinets and centre tables. According to the president at the Brazilian Furniture Industry Association (Abimóvel), José Luiz Diaz Fernandez, Brazilian bedroom and sitting room furniture is the most successful among the Arab buyers.
The fair should bring together the most important companies in the area of furniture, lighting and curtains, apart from interior design and arts. "Brazilian participation in the fair is one of the great opportunities to diversify export destinations for the country,” pointed out Fernandez.
The presence of the Brazilians is an initiative of the Brazilian Furniture project, developed by the Abimóvel in partnership with the Brazilian Export and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil). In 2008, Brazilian companies signed over 1,020 contracts, generating a business volume of approximately US$ 1.1 million.
The furniture sector exported, in the first half of 2009, the equivalent to approximately US$ 1.5 million to the countries of the Middle East. "The Middle East is a large consumer market and remains important despite the crisis. Index Dubai is the main event for promotion of furniture for the Brazilian Furniture project and is also the most successful,” pointed out Fernandez.
In the 2009 edition, the organizers of the event hope to receive over 1,800 visitors, in the 36,000 square metres to be covered by the fair. Over 1,000 exhibitors from 47 countries should participate.
*Translated by Mark Ament
