Saudi Build 2011 and Saudi Stone-Tech 2011, the biggest B2B construction and stone technology event in the region, concluded with over 22,500 visitors and 700 exhibitors from 34 countries.

The four-day showcase at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre also welcomed national pavilions from a total of 14 countries.

“The participating Austrian companies at Saudi Build have expressed their serious interest in the Saudi construction market, stressing on the excellent outcome of the event in terms of the number and quality of the trade visitors. It gives us the opportunity to access this emerging market and display our advanced and modern products and technologies,” revealed a representative from the Embassy of Austria in Saudi Arabia.

“The growing volume of Austria’s building material exports which amounted to SR340 million ($90.6 million) in the first half of 2011 is a key driver for local private companies, given that Saudi Arabia accounts for a major percentage of this figure. Austria exports various types of building materials to the Kingdom, including pipes, railway building materials, wood, furniture and other distinctive building tools and products.”

Moreover, another representative from the Embassy of Belgium in Saudi Arabia revealed that Belgium’s exports to Saudi Arabia has increased by 25 per cent in 2011 amid the ongoing growth in the Saudi market, also pointing out to the significant cooperation of Belgian and Saudi companies to provide building materials and technologies for the current projects in the Kingdom.

The source also shed light on the importance of Saudi Build and its distinctive role in gathering industry leaders from all over the world, while also providing the opportunity to access the unique and promising Saudi market.

Mohammed Al Hussaini, deputy general manager, Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: "The remarkable success of Saudi Build 2011 has reaffirmed its position as the premier platform that supports the sustainable growth of the region's construction industry.”

Saudi Build 2011 provided a dedicated platform to showcase the latest offerings in building materials and equipment, architectural finishing products, construction tools and technology, engineering services, infrastructure materials, security and safety systems, among others.

Saudi Stone-Tech 2011, held in collaboration with VeronaFiere, Italy’s top trade show organiser, and the Italian Marmomacchine Association, a technical and promotional organisation for Italy’s stone and allied industries, catered to evolving requirements and changing trends in stone technology products, machinery and services. – TradeArabia News Service