Aquariya Expo 2009, the premier ornamental aquatic and the marine aquatic consumer exhibition in the Middle East, has concluded with trade deals worth Dh4 million ($1.1 million).

The exhibition, organised by Orange Fairs & Events, ran from March 4 to 6 at the Crowne Plaza in Dubai.

Ninety-five per cent of the international and regional exhibitors who took part in the show have confirmed their participation at next year’s event, which is scheduled for March 2010.

Inno Fisheries, an exhibitor from Malaysia who showcased a wide array of corals and marine fish, has reported over $300,000 in closed deals during the course of the event, and expects to boost its exports to Dubai and Iran by around 300 per cent.

The company has identified Aquariya Expo 2009 as an effective channel through which it can introduce the business of cultured corals in Dubai, thereby prompting it to follow-up its participation with an even bigger presence next year.

“This event has afforded us an excellent opportunity to expose our products to a global audience, which is precisely what we need to penetrate a broader market for our world-class offerings,” said Walter Marle Mukis, operation manager, Inno Fisheries.

“We have made significant business as well as networking strides during our presence at the Aquariya Expo 2009, which has also been the perfect platform that gave us a chance to spread our advocacy regarding environmental protection, particularly in marine wildlife. These significant milestones have prompted us to pledge our support for the event next year,” he added.

In addition, the organiser regards the expected increase in export volumes of participating global companies to the Middle East as one of the biggest achievements of the show.

Some of the exhibitors who have expressed optimism in this aspect include Malaysia-based Sanwa Aquatics, who is expecting a growth in its exports by 100 per cent, and the International Nishikigoi Promotion Centre from Japan, who has initiated negotiations for future partnerships with four local companies.

Similarly, Qian Hu Corporation from Singapore has also announced its aims to boost its exports to Kuwait and Turkey, by 80 per cent, while Qatar’s AquaArt is eyeing expansion for its exports destinations to cover the entire Gulf region.

“We are astounded by the excellent exhibitor as well as visitor turnout at the Aquariya Expo 2009, and based on the excellent business we have seen throughout the event, we are certain of the positive impact it has made on the regional ornamental fisheries and aquarium industry,” said Raees Ahmed, director, Orange Fairs & Events.

“The confirmation of most companies for a repeat participation next year cements the event’s significance among leading players from the region and abroad, and we are even more excited to mount a bigger show, which will bring considerable opportunities to them,” he said.

Attended by over 3700 visitors from across the globe, Aquariya Expo 2009 also hosted seminars on the latest technological innovations in aquarium keeping, appraisal on the global market trends, marketing issues, as well as global and local policies and legislation. – TradeArabia News Service