A major exhibition showcasing products, services and technologies from South Korea was launched yesterday (October 24) during a press conference held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

Made in Korea (MIK 2012) will run from May 21 to 23, 2012 at Adnec.

The show is widely anticipated by Korean and UAE businesses looking to capitalise on the rapidly growing trade volumes between the two countries, which reached $15.7 billion in 2010 and is expected to rise further in 2011.

MIK 2012, which is supported by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, and has Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority as a strategic partner, aims to further accelerate the growth of bilateral trade activities between the two countries by providing a dedicated business-to-business networking platform that caters to the specific needs of Korean investors and entrepreneurs.

Seo Deog-ho, Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, said: “The establishment of a dedicated trade event for Korean brands in the UAE will further strengthen the strategic partnership of the two countries. We therefore strongly support the Made in Korea exhibition and would like to laud the organisers for their foresight and the efforts they have made to make this event a reality.”

Faisal Al Raisi, managing partner at Ideal Idea Events, organisers of MIK 2012, said: “Trade activities between the UAE and South Korea remain very strong and have great potential to grow further. Korean businesses are particularly paying greater attention to emerging growth prospects in the UAE and across the GCC, which are increasingly becoming more competitive export destinations compared with Europe and other global markets.”

“Moreover, the governments of both countries have played a key role in establishing strong bilateral relations, which is a very important factor in sustaining the long-term trade relationship between the UAE and Korea.”

“Made in Korea adds momentum to the growing economic cooperation between the two countries by providing a dedicated business-to-business networking platform, while creating a unique and ideal venue to promote cultural understanding,” Al Raisi continued.

“Moreover, the exhibition is being established at a highly opportune time as we are witnessing a growing number of Korean businesses being headquartered in the UAE and across the GCC."

"With hundreds of Korean exhibitors coming to the region for the first time to collectively showcase their products, services, technologies and strategic information about Korean industries, MIK 2012 is certainly a must-attend event for market retailers of leading Korean products and anyone interested in the Korean industry,” added Al Raisi.

The UAE serves as the biggest destination of Korean products in the Middle East, with the total value of exports that include ships, automobiles, electronic appliances, textile and steel structures reaching $4.7 billion in 2010. In the same period, UAE exports of oil, petroleum products and aluminium to South Korea was worth $11 billion.

MIK 2012 will gather at least 300 high-profile Korean exhibitors from a wide range of industries including automotive, engineering, metal, hospitality, textile, electrical, chemicals, rubber & plastics, power, healthcare, ICT, media, construction, furniture, fashion and even sport.

Representatives from Korean government agencies and regulatory authorities will also be present to meet with their counterparts from the UAE and other Arab countries.

Organisers also expect over 25,000 visitors during the three-day exhibition.
MIK 2012’s venue likewise delivers strategic advantages to all participants as ADNEC is equipped with a full range of state-of-the-art business and exhibition amenities.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi has been distinguished for its strategic location, robust economy and proactive government support, making it an ideal business base for Korean companies looking to establish a strong presence in the UAE and across the GCC.

In addition to the exhibition, MIK 2012 will also host a series of conferences featuring prominent international speakers from both countries. The event, which will cover 14,000 sq m of exhibition space, will also host various competitions such as a “Poster Design Competition”, and the “Catwalk: Costume Designing Challenge”. – TradeArabia News Service