The GCC produced 14 million tons of pipes and tubes with a domestic consumption of 2.5 million tons used for energy, infrastructure development, construction projects, water and air conditioning supply. However, imports from China, India and Europe still accounted for more than 25% of tube and pipe consumption in the GCC region in 2013.
These figures were released in connection with the announcement of Tube Arabia 2015 which will be held from January 10 to 13, 2015 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, co-organisers of Tube Arabia with German exhibition organiser Messe Dusseldorf, said: “As for the tube industry, the GCC and Middle East are proving to be increasingly attractive markets for international tube manufacturers. Some of the growth sectors include oil and gas technology, petrochemicals, water and electricity supply, drainage as well as construction. Huge investments by the government as well as private sector have been made in this sector and more are in the pipeline. Landmark projects that would boost demand for tubes and pipes dramatically include the Expo 2020 and the Dubai Canal.” Mr. Daniel Ryfisch, Project Manager, Messe Dusseldorf, added: “Tube Arabia, the 5th International Trade Fair for industrial machines, metalworking, machine tools, tubes and pipes, has attracted a wide range of international and regional companies that will display latest technologies and solutions pertaining to this fast growing industry.” “The UAE is regarded as the most important hub for trade between Europe and Asia. Huge investments in construction projects are dramatically driving the tubes industry in the UAE,” added Jeen Joshua, Group Project Manager of Tube Arabia 2015.
“The construction and manufacturing sectors are strong and important components of the Middle East’s economic engine. Tube Arabia 2015 is where decision makers from the industry, technical experts, and global companies meet and do business. It is the right place to find target audience, customers, suppliers, and industry peers as well as competitors,” added Khanna.
“Tube Arabia will attract a cross-section of the world’s tube and pipe customers. The oldest show in the region is regarded as the ideal gateway to the extremely important Gulf and Middle East markets,” added Joshua.
The show comes at a time Gulf’s tubes, pipes and steel industries are enhancing collaboration in logistic operations and human resource development, thus boost the competitive abilities of their products in the international markets. Hailing the cooperation among GCC countries, Khanna said that it would help avoid harmful competition and enhance their negotiation power with importers.
Source : WAM News Agency for United Arab Emirates
