Abu Dhabi: Malaysia is planning to reinforce its growing trade links with Abu Dhabi and the Gulf after committing to 1,000 square metres of space at CityBuild Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital's premier business to business trade exhibition for the building and construction industry.
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), which will host the largest international pavilion at the event, is eager to boost relations with Abu Dhabi by building on Malaysia's established position as a significant supplier of material products and services to the UAE market and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Matrade has identified CityBuild Abu Dhabi as a perfect platform in its move to bolster the third largest economy in Southeast Asia just as Malaysia, now among the ten most competitive countries in the world, announced an increase in exports, its representative said.
"We are delighted to have confirmed our co-location with CityBuild Abu Dhabi. This crucial decision was an easy one, despite being approached by other construction events in Abu Dhabi," Dato' Dzulkifli, Senior Trade Commissioner of Matrade, said:
"We wanted the security of working with an event that has four years of history in the market, officially audited and guaranteed visitor numbers, not to mention the full support of the Abu Dhabi Government, UPC, Masdar and DMA. This is a wonderful opportunity to build relations between Malaysia and Abu Dhabi and we are excited about the future prospects this venture could lead to."
Taking place next April 17-20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the second edition of CityBuild Abu Dhabi, which is already three times larger than the inaugural event this year, will attract more than 10,000 suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and importers of products used in the construction of real estate and infrastructure projects, together with buyers and industry wide trade professionals.
Located alongside the fifth edition of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, the event will spotlight the resilience of the construction industry in the UAE where there are still 1,600 projects worth over $560 billion (Dh2.056 trillion) in execution or about to begin construction.
Last year the combination of the two exhibitions brought together more than 34,000 visitors under one roof.
"Malaysia is looking to foster new trade links, convince developers, city planners and architects that its products offer quality and an excellent ROI, and is confident that CityBuild will elevate the country's profile, and that of its product and service industry," said Graham Wood, Group Director of IIR Middle East, organisers of CityBuild Abu Dhabi.
