Marina Sarruf*
São Paulo – Automechanika, a fair in the auto parts sector, which began on Sunday (28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and ends today (30), exceeded expectations of the Brazilian businessmen who participated. "Some companies have already closed deals. The contacts made were excellent," stated Theophil B Jaggi, of the board of the Brazilian Association of Auto Parts Manufacturers (Sindipeças), which is participating in the fair.
In total, ten Brazilian companies participated in Automechanika. Participation was organized by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce and by the Sindipeças, which is participating in the event for the third time. According to the secretary general of the Arab Brazilian Chamber, Michel Alaby, who is also in Dubai, Brazilian companies made around 650 trade contacts. "They were contacts with great business perspectives," he added.
This is the first Arab Brazilian Chamber participation in Automechanika. The companies were visited by businessmen from all countries in the Persian Gulf region and also from other regions. "Brazil has great chances of increasing exports to the Arab market," stated Jaggi. According to him, Automechanika grows at each edition. "The fair is much larger than it was two years ago," he finished off.
The fair, which was inaugurated on Sunday by the minister of Culture and Youth of the United Arab Emirates, Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, counts on the participation of 650 exhibitors from 40 countries. According to exhibition manager Michael Dehn, estimates by the government of the Emirates are that the auto parts sector has revenues of US$ 12.5 billion, with a tendency for further growth. Auto parts imports into Dubai totalled approximately US$ 5 billion, being 60% re-exported.
According to information supplied by Dubai Customs, auto parts trade has grown 155% between 2000 and 2005. Dubai is the third most important re-export centre in the world, losing only to Hong Kong and Singapore. To Dehn, the auto parts demand is powered by the growth of business and retail activities in the region. Car sales in Dubai grew over 6.4% last year.
Over 60% of the vehicles that operate in the Persian Gulf are Japanese, 13% are North American, 12% European and 15% from other regions. During the fair, the import of forged auto parts was also discussed. Around 30% of sector imports are forged, according to Gulf News, the auto sector in the Emirates is growing 40% a year.
Participants
The Brazilian stand covers an area of 90 square metres and includes the following companies: Bins, Rings and Forks International (RFI), Alfatest, Fras-Le, Zen, ECS Brasil, Frum, Suporte Rei, MIC and Autotravi Borrachas.
*Translated by Mark Ament
