The International Trade Fair Service (IMAG) and Expo Centre Sharjah have tied-up to jointly organise the third edition of Conmex in 2008.

IMAG is a member of the Munich International Trade Fairs Group, organisers of Bauma, the largest construction machinery show in the world, and Expo Centre Sharjah is the exhibitions wing of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Conmex, which is the Middle East's largest sourcing platform for construction machinery, equipment, vehicles and parts, made its debut at Expo Centre Sharjah in 2006. It was organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

'I am very excited about the future cooperation between Expo Centre Sharjah and IMAG,' said chairman and CEO of IMAG Harald Mueller.

The tie-up aims to promote and market CONMEX internationally and further develope the concept as the region's leading event.

'We see an enormous potential for the development of CONMEX, based on the excellent work which Expo Centre Sharjah already has done since 2006 and on IMAG's vast international experience in the field of construction machinery shows,' Mueller added.

The debut edition of Conmex, which was held from November 25 to 28, 2006, had showcased 250 brands and companies from 21 countries. Displays included the entire range of plant and machinery, commercial vehicles, lifting and conveying equipment, construction equipment, tools and special systems, formwork and scaffolding, construction site facilities, spare parts and accessories, communication and navigation equipment, and safety equipment used in the construction process.

Among the major international brands represented at the event were COPMA, Caterpillar, Hyundai, Sennebogen, Kobelco, Liebherr, Potain, Alimak, Dynapac, Atlas Copco, Stetter, Sandvik, Vogele, Snowkey, Sany, Raimondi, Eicher, CGR, RKF, Scania, Daewoo, Hyster, Bobcat, Grove, Konecranes, Soilmec, Terex, and Belle.

A total of 6,282 trade visitors from 63 countries visited the exhibition. Of the total turnout, 58.8 per cent translating in to 3,695 visitors were from the GCC region including the UAE.

'Over the years, Expo Centre Sharjah has established itself as a leading organiser of trade exhibitions in the Middle East,' said advisor to the chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah Fasahat Ali Khan.

A major highlight of the exhibition will be the live demonstrations of tower cranes, fork lifts, earthmovers, and other light and medium range machinery, equipment, and vehicles.

Again, it is for the first time in the region that live demonstrations of so many construction machineries and equipment will be held together at a single venue.TradeArabia News Service