More than 550 global exhibitors are set to participate during the upcoming 2013 edition of Dubai WoodShow, the Middle East’s largest wood industry focused exhibition.

The event will run from April 9 to 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, the event organiser, has expanded the event’s gross area to cover 12,944 sq m and feature different halls for forestry and products, tools, equipment, finishing, timber, and outdoor furniture in 2013.

The expected growth in the international exhibitor count is in line with the rising demand for hardwood lumber in the region, with import figures projected to reach an estimated $700 million in 2012.

Now in its eighth edition, Dubai WoodShow will give more focus on wood furniture, veneer, laminates and other products, and on providing a venue where visitors can learn more about wood and meet the most highly qualified operators in the business.

It will also showcase the latest innovations in wood machineries and the technologies being developed to increase efficiency in the manufacturing process.

“The changes we have implemented within the Dubai WoodShow underlines our strong commitment to adequately address the needs of the market for a venue where traders and professionals can learn more about wood, while driving the overall growth of the wood industry,” said Walid Farghal, director general, Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions.

“We have made it easier for exhibitors to connect with a more targeted audience, which in addition to the tremendous import values for hardwood lumber recorded in the Mena region; this has also spurred a stronger demand for participation among global participants.”

“By gathering highly qualified operators in the business and leading manufacturers from all over the world, we are giving project developers and construction companies a premier destination to find the suitable wood products that suit not only the structural requirements of their projects but the environmental standards as well,” Farghal added.

“This year, we are expecting a large presence of senior management and decision makers seeking investment opportunities with professionals and corporations in the wood industry, and players who are interested in growing their business on a global scale.”

This year event has the participation of many international pavilions such as the US, Canada, Germany, France, China, Malaysia, Cameroon and Congo. – TradeArabia News Service