Gulf is seeing all-round growth

Gulf News: What has motivated you to expand your presence in the region?
Tornieporth: The UAE, especially Dubai, is a very exciting area and we've been doing business here for the last 15 to 20 years already.

The development in the last five to six years has been extremely exciting for us that we decided to come here with our own structure. We are going to invest a lot of money into the region as well. We will start are own store in the Dubai Mall.

How is the GCC market compared to other countries in terms of market growth?
Swiss watch exports enjoyed sustained growth throughout in recent times. Demand remained strong, particularly for luxury products.

Economically, it has been positive too, with the Swiss watch industry recording its third consecutive year of strong growth after posting a 9.2 per cent growth in 2004 and 11.5 per cent in 2005.

Swiss watch exports to the GCC have been gaining momentum both in terms of numbers and value. In several instances, growth of Swiss watches in the GCC has been recording double-digit growth.

The UAE, which is at eighth position, and Saudi Arabia, in 15th position, are currently among the top 15 export destinations for Swiss watches globally.

International business interest in the GCC is on a sharply rising trend and over the past five to six years, figures for business, shipping, inward investment, real estate and most other key macro-economic indicators of commercial activity have all shown very positive growth.

Overall review on the year 2007, particularly with regards to regional success?
Montblanc is enjoying a remarkable growth phase across the spectrum from writing instruments to watches and accessories to leather goods.

The brand is moving further upscale with a more sophisticated appearance for ladies' watches and more complications for the men's models.

Among the countries in the region, except UAE, which do you think you have greater growth potential?
For now, the luxury business in the GCC continues it's bull run with retailers, marketers, local and international analysts and all associated with the luxury business in the region being very positive.

The GCC is a growth market that is experiencing sustained all-round growth and development.