One-Third of GCC Tube Requirements are met by Imports from India, Europe and China .

One third of GCC's requirements in tubes are met by imports from Europe, India and China, according to figures released in connection with Tekno/Tube Arabia 2011, the 10th International Trade Fair for industrial machinery, metal working, machine tools, tubes and pipes industry, that will be held from January 8 to 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, organizer of Tekno/Tube Arabia 2011 with Messe Dusseldorf GmbH as the overseas associate partner, said, "The tube and pipe manufactures in the GCC look at the region as one market and the big advantage of this market is the absence of customs barriers. While the present demand is met through imports, leading manufacturers of pipes in the Gulf region are looking at reducing the dependence on imports by increasing the production of tubes and pipes every year. This would lead to self sufficiency at some time in the future, creating more job opportunities and boosting national economies."

As far as pipes and tubes are concerned, the United States and Germany have gained sizable market share in the GCC and they have the capacity to deliver pipes to specific customer requirements within a short time-frame.

Khanna added, "Moreover, new mills will commence commercial production by 2011 which will enable the local industry to enhance its production substantially from next year onwards. Several large European, Indian and Chinese companies would be participating in this edition of Tekno/Tube Arabia, the only specialized and established event of its kind in the Middle East which has helped foster this growth for the past 18 years."

Khanna urged the Gulf's tubes and pipes industries to enhance cooperation in logistics operations, human resources development and competitive advantage of their products in international markets.

Khanna added, "This will give the GCC countries a stronger negotiating power. It will also help increase cooperation between GCC nations and help them avoid adverse competition, especially during times of crisis and low demand. It will also form a defence line for the interests of producers of commodities."

Tekno/Tube Arabia has become a major international trade fair for industrial machinery, metal working and machine tools. The show offers an ideal platform for companies to gain inroads into the booming Middle East markets.

Source : ameinfo.com