The Middle East’s only trade and networking event for the materials handling, supply chain and transport industries kicked off its three-day run today (September 25), in Dubai.

The Epoc Messe Frankfurt-organised trade show and conference was inaugurated by Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director general, Dubai Department of Information, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The biennial gathering of industry leaders, key decision makers, leading manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, machinery, products and services, is seen as a key indicator of the direction these industries are taking.

“Being such a diverse region, logistics industries are in the process of rapid change. Exhibitions like these are good indicators of the rapid changes that the industry is going through,” said Sheikh Hasher.

“It is no exaggeration to state that transport networks and supply chain developments have played fundamental roles in making the countries of the region immensely important in today’s trade-driven world,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“The governments of the region have recognised this and have put in place multi-million dollar plans to further develop transport and logistical infrastructure in order to facilitate greater freedom of movement of goods and people.”

“Materials Handling Middle East provides a meeting ground for these vital industries, where new ideas can be discussed, new trends examined, products and services evaluated and fresh business contacts made and developed,” he added.

Leading regional and international manufacturers, suppliers and service providers are present at the event in order to increase their regional footprint.

Among them was Eternity Technologies, whose Export Administrator, V. Jinesh said that the Middle East and Dubai especially were key focus markets for them. He was pleased with the opening and was glad to be able to introduce the company’s products to the Sheikh.

Theo Einhauser, managing director of Euroroll, said: “This is our fourth year participating here. The opening was great and we generally get very good business deals here, so we are looking forward to the rest of the event,” he said.

Also at the event, but for a different reason to most, was Dubai Police who are spreading awareness about the hazards of drugs. “We are always at these events to educate people about the dangers of drugs,” said Sulaiman Abdallah Al Balushi. “We also seek cooperation from participating companies in order to further spread the message,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service