Hardware+Tools Middle East which recently concluded at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre reported a strong re-sponse. Exhibitors were extremely positive on the quality of trade visi-tors to the show which included key decision makers in the purchasing process from the region.
 

Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Hardware+Tools Middle East, said: “This is a very specialist market and we are happy with both the exhibitors and visitors response to the show. There was particular interest in the country pavilions where a wide range of cost effective products was showcased."

Amongst the top visiting countries to Hardware+Tools Middle East after the UAE were Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iran and India. Exhibitors felt that a number of high quality visitors interested in doing business visited their stands and they deemed the exhibition a useful platform for entering the regional market.

Mr. Rajdeep Jain, Managing Director, Satyam, who was participating as part of the first time India Pavilion, commented: “We are here to explore the markets of the Middle East. This is a good meeting point for all Middle East customers and we can also find new customers. The show has been very fruitful and we will definitely come back.”

Also taking part in the India Pavilion was Mr. Rakesh Sharma, Duty Manager, Exports for Kangaro. He said: “This is our first time here and the response has been good. Visitors were mostly end customers and some really good distributors. We will come back next year because this is a really good show.”

Taking part in the Taiwan Pavilion was another first time exhibitor – Torque-Tech Precision Co. Ltd. Cathy Lin, Account Representative, said: ‘We came here because we have some new products which we wanted to introduce to the Middle East market. We have met custom-ers from Iran, UAE and Kuwait that are looking for new products so it has been a very good show for us.”

European-based exhibitors also expressed optimism surrounding their experience at Hardware+Tools Middle East. Hani Jaber, Sales Man-ager of Einhell Middle East Trading FZC was extremely positive at their outing: “Coming to Hardware+Tools Middle East 2013 was the right decision. Customers coming from Nigeria, Lebanon, Algeria have really liked our products. All in all, it’s a very good experience.”

Meanwhile, first time exhibitor Ihab Al-Naimi, Director of Sales & Business Development for German company Alnatec, said: “For us it was the first time exhibiting in the Middle East and our expectations have been met. That means we had visitors from the entire region and from not expected countries such as Africa.”

Hardware+Tools Middle East also had strong representation from lo-cal UAE companies. One of the UAE exhibitors excited about the re-sponse was Lalit Bhamburkar, Manager of Amana FZE, who said: “It was a good show. We have had a number of interested trade buyers asking about our products and we hope to exhibit at Hardware+Tools Middle East again in 2014.” Furthermore, Sales Executive at local company Al Saeed Equipment Trading Est, Mr. Farshid, said: “It’s a very good way to launch our products and have good exposure to the regional customers. We are getting a very good response from cus-tomers and we are hoping to get good deals through our participation.”

As the only dedicated trade fair for hardware, tools and accessories in the region, Hardware+Tools Middle East has four main focus areas, namely: Tools, Machinery, Materials and Hardware. The exhibition mirrors the regional market trends and focuses the attention of manufacturers and suppliers to regional requirements. It is considered as a viable trade and business development platform for industry players looking to engage and interact with regional buyers.

Source: www.hardwaretoolsme.com