In line with its commitment to invest in strategic future growth markets by building successful long-term partnerships, Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (Dubal) took part in the 'Aluminium China 2009 exhibition, which concluded in Shanghai on July 2.

The company, despite the global recession, continues to operate at its full capacity of 960,000 metric tonnes per year, with no job losses, said a top Dubal official.

The group has exported its products to the Far East and Asean regions since its inception 30 years ago; and has been a regular participant at the annual 'Aluminium China' event.

Mohammed Al Mutawa, marketing and sales manager, Asia, said, "Approximately 10,000 people visited the show to meet with suppliers of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products, surface treatment and producers of machinery, plant and equipment for aluminium processing and manufacturing, light-metals trade and service providers."

“Many of the visitors hailed from South East Asia, a large number being representatives of companies that have been Dubal customers for several years. This was an important opportunity for us to build on Dubal’s existing long-term relationships with these key business partners, especially as an estimated 37 per cent of our total sales in 2008 came from the Far East and Asean regions.”

Dubal believes that the Chinese market will be a major driver of global growth in aluminium demand and associated price improvements, which together will help the industry recover strongly in parallel with the restoration of the global economy, he added.

“China has been responsible for 70 per cent of the growth in aluminium demand in recent years and we have every reason to expect this trend to continue,” said Al Mutawa.

“Given the substantial government-backed packages aimed at boosting China’s infrastructure and real estate markets, a resurgence in the demand for primary aluminium is expected in the region in the short- to mid-term. There are already indications that industrial recovery in China will commence in the second half of 2009.”

Al Mutawa pointed out that Dubal’s presence at the expo achieved its primary objective of reinforcing the strong position that the company already holds in the Asian markets.

“The key messages communicated during the exhibition were our high quality standards, service ethics, reliable delivery and professionalism, as well as our sincere commitment to the market,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service