AN exhibition of hardware and tools taking place in Dubai this month will feature major participation from Chinese and Indian companies.

Some 150 Chinese firms will operate under their national pavilion which will consume a large part of the exhibition floor space while Indian firms will debut as a group for the first time at Hardware+Tools Middle East, said Michael Dehn, group exhibitions director of the event’s organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

The Indian pavilion has been organised in cooperation with the Ludhiana Hand Tools Association which accounts for around 50 per cent of India’s hand tools production. Present will be manufacturers including Deeps, Mansarovar Impex, Pye Tools, Prima, Kangaro and Balwindra Tools.

Dehn said there was sustained interest among exhibitors from traditionally strong countries in Europe such as Germany, Italy and the UK and the event was taking place at an opportune time for  the industry.

Dehn: construction tools will draw most interest

“With the construction industry’s fortunes on the upswing, I would expect regional buyers and trader visitors to concentrate on the wide range of products on display that could be useful on building sites. There will be strong interest in power and hand tools. We expect some interest in energy-efficient tools as there is increasing awareness about environmental concerns and sustainability in the regional industry.”

Dehn said GCC governments were now in the process of mandating use of green building technology. “This is expected to have considerable impact on the construction industry in general. At Hardware+Tools Middle East exhibitors will be keen to showcase products and services that can contribute to this green movement.”

With the return of the live demonstration area, selected exhibitors will demonstrate their products in a more interactive environment, he said.

“Hardware+Tools is the Middle East’s only dedicated event for tools, hardware materials and machinery for the region. As such, it continues to mirror regional market trends and focuses the attention of international manufacturers and suppliers to regional requirements. The exhibition is now considered as a viable trade and business development platform for international players looking to engage and interact with regional buyers,” said a statement from Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“The growing level of investment and interest in the now expanding infrastructure sector is expected to impact favourably on the demand for fresh supplies of hardware and tools,” it said.

“A slowdown in some of the major markets worldwide has turned the eyes of international majors towards the Middle East. So, all in all, Hardware+Tools Middle East is currently representing a market with high-growth prospects.”