The exhibition will create a platform for international companies to interact and share the technical know-how with their Saudi counterparts and also assess the local market requirements JEDDAH — The 2015 Machinex Arabia kicks off in Jeddah today (Monday) at Jeddah Center for Forums and Events with the participation of more than 150 national and international companies. The fifth edition of Machinex Arabia is organized by Al Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE). It aims to open opportunities with new machinery, equipment, products and services from leading industrial countries. With forecasts for non-oil based industrial sector growth showing a 5.4, percent increase and the lead being taken by private sector focusing on construction, trade and manufacturing the industrial momentum is forging ahead with confidence. In line with this initiative the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF) has recently approved 19 loans valued at SR2.8 billion for 15 new industrial projects and the expansion of 4 projects. As the expansion of the industries continues, it leads to simultaneous increase in the demand for new machinery, equipment, transfer of technology from leading industrial countries. With over 19 industrial cities progressing in top-gear and the government providing all possible support and guidance, the Kingdom's industrial revolution shows an accelerated growth. MODON (Saudi Industrial Property Authority) currently overseas 29 existing or under developed cities, and is targeting growth to more than 40 by 2015. Metal and steel are the focus of the industries for molds and machine parts, fabrication, in addition to food processing, packaging and many more making it a buoyant market for international suppliers of machinery and equipment. The 5TH edition of Machinex Arabia opens opportunities with new machinery, equipment, products and services from leading industrial countries. These positive indicators are complemented by government agencies like MODON, SIDF and other government agencies providing low tariffs, incentives, industrial land and other benefits encouraging the establishment of factory plants and manufacturing units. With its undisputed position as the commercial hub of various industries, Jeddah is the city to host this major industrial exhibition, providing the enterprising business community of the entire Western Region of the Kingdom investment opportunities through interaction with their international counterparts. Propac Arabia will continue alongside Machinex Arabia where exhibitors in this sector can display the latest equipment for packaging and processing thus giving a fillip to this industry which is witnessing an increasing demand. New technologies and equipment will allow for these related market sectors and companies can exhibit such products and services and exchange information on the latest developments in this vital industry. Metal and steel form an inseparable and indispensable constituent of this industry particularly so because of extensive public and private sector infrastructure projects being implemented that include building, construction and manufacturing. Metal and steel is not only a material in huge demand but many local industries are gearing-up to boost local production to make the Kingdom a leading exporter of steel. The two complementary events will ensure maximum footfall and business potential to both the Saudi and international business communities. The concurrent events are being staged at a time when industrial diversification is gaining momentum, supported by the Saudi government's generous assistance to establish new industries thus opening not only business opportunities but also employment and technical knowledge to the youth and working towards a comprehensive goal of achieving self-reliance through local production. The exhibition will create a platform for international companies from Egypt, Finland, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Sweden, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA to interact and share the technical know-how with their Saudi counterparts and also assess the local market requirements. Speaking about this year's exhibition, Zahoor Siddique, ACE's Vice President for exhibitions, said: "The exhibition is an outstanding platform for businesses to enter into joint ventures in industry and explore the business opportunities in the most promising market in the region. Therefore, we are expecting a bigger success this time around. " He further said Saudi Arabia has witnessed a steady development which resulted in distinguished accomplishments. “This really attributed to the importance of the industrial sector and the support it receives from the government owing to its role in achieving strategic and economic goals of the country.” He continued “what makes this exhibition very important is because of the expansion of the industries which leads to the increase in the demand for new machinery, equipment, transfer of technology from leading industrial countries.” According to Siddique, the exhibition categories has been expanded this year to feature more machinery and services for factories; Cleaning, Recycling & Treatment, Compressors & Generators, Construction, Electrification & Climate Control, Factory Plant & Machine Tools, Materials Handling & Vehicles, Measuring & Weighing Devices, Metal Working, Die-casting & Welding, Mining, Oil & Gas, Operations, Maintenance & Training, Plastics & Rubber/Injection, Printing & Packaging, Processing, Filling & Bottling, Pumps & Turbines. The show timings are 5-10 p.m. daily until Feb. 12. — SG
