The 27th International Autumn Trade Fair (IATF2012), the region’s pioneer consumer goods show, opened today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event, which will run until December 13, was inaugurated by Sheikh Hasher Al Maktoum, director general, Dubai Department of Information.

“Organisers informed me that the exhibition has witnessed an increase in the number of exhibitors from 360 companies in the last edition to 400 companies in this edition,” said Sheikh Hasher.

“This shows the remarkable economic growth in the UAE. It also demonstrates the instrumental role Dubai is playing and its strategic location in the global trade. There is a significant increase in the number of companies that are opening up headquarters in Dubai to serve the Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets.”

Satish Khanna, general manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, organisers of the show, said: “Arab countries were absent from the list of top 30 exporters of commercial services trade in the world. USA has topped the list with $578 billion where UK came second with $274 billion.”

“Sweden was ranked 17th and Norway 25th with exports of US$ 76 billion and US$ 42 billion respectively. The global exports trade of commercial services saw an 11 percent increase over 2010.

“We anticipate good turnout at IATF 2012 over three days. The show has emerged as a leading regional buyer-seller meeting ground for the consumer goods segment in the Arab region. It has attracted 400 exhibitors from 20 countries, showcasing their products across an area of 8000 square meters,” he added.

“One of the highlights of this year’s edition is Taiwan’s presence, which is participating for the first time at an official level, after a gap of over 20 years. Featuring 20 exhibitors, Taiwan participation is sponsored by TAITRA, the official body responsible for the promotion of export and international trade,” Khanna concluded.

This year, the fair is hosting the official national pavilions of five countries, occupying 90 per cent of the 8,000-sq m of exhibition space. The national pavilions include 225 exhibitors from China, 35 from Hong Kong, 15 from Korea, 10 from India, 20 from Taiwan.

Hong Kong is part of IATF12 for the ninth consecutive year with 35 exhibitors. The large scale participation of Hong Kong comes against the backdrop of the increasing trade between the East Asian country and the UAE and the region in general. The UAE is the single largest trade partner of Hong Kong in the Middle East region.

The HK pavilion is organised under the banner of Hong Kong Trade Development Council and is displaying a variety of consumer products, including gifts and premium, electronics, houseware and household products, in addition to fashion and fashion accessories.

IATF12 is unveiling throughout three days an exciting mix of products comprising cosmetics, foodstuffs, electronics, household appliances, plastic household products, toys, stationery, electrical items, handicrafts, carpets, garments, textiles, house ware, kitchen ware, sanitary ware, novelties, machinery, machine tools, hardware accessories and dairy products. – TradeArabia News Service