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Indiana Hardwood Delegation Travels to Dubai

State and Industry Representatives Attend Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) recently traveled across the world to further expand our state’s position in the global hardwood market.  Representatives from ISDA and two Indiana companies attended the Third Annual Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The three-day event was held February 5-7, 2008, at the Dubai International Exhibition Center.

Dubai is one of the largest cities in the UAE and also one of the fastest growing cities in the world. The booming construction market and emerging export-oriented sectors throughout the Middle East have created new opportunities for Indiana hardwoods. The Dubai International Wood & Wood Machinery Show presents a great venue and an opportunity for American companies to meet buyers from all over the world. Specialized trade visitors from over 34 countries attended the trade show last year.  

This year the Show welcomed back companies from around the world, including 15 from the United States. The Indiana delegation participated as part of a larger delegation representing the Hardwood States Export Group (HSEG).  HSEG, in cooperation with the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), organized a 216 square meter U.S. pavilion at the show. This pavilion enabled all U.S. companies in attendance to be housed in one location.

This internationally-supported event proved to be another big success for Indiana hardwood companies. More than 35 qualified contacts were made, with several orders pending upon return to confirm transportation pricing. High-end red oak lumber was the most requested species of the show, which was a pleasant surprise. Other inquires included white oak, cherry, walnut and hard maple. ISDA also received several pallet material inquiries looking to substitute American species for the current Asian imports.

During the second day of the show, the AHEC hosted an informal get-together for all interested importers. There was a brief welcome and overview of the market by Michael Snow, Executive Director of AHEC, and David Williams, Director of the U.S. Agriculture Trade Office in Dubai. This was followed by an opportunity for one-on-one networking.

While in Dubai, the Indiana delegation met with Patrick Wall, Commercial Attaché, and Minila Mathews, Commercial Assistant of the U.S. Commercial Service. Also attending was Mohamed Taha, Assistant to the Regional Director in the U.S. Agriculture Trade office. These officials answered numerous questions concerning the demographics of Dubai and UAE, and all three encouraged advertising in the UAE.

Wall also stated that the best method for manufactures of finished products to enter the UAE market would be through the U. S. Commercial Service’s “Gold Key Service.” This Service works directly with U.S. companies.  Participating companies forward product information to the Service, and the Service matches the products with pre-screened importers and arranges one-on-one meetings.

The Indiana delegation included Angie Capper and Jeff Irwin, Pike Lumber Company Inc.; Larry Kuzemka, Jasper Desk Company Inc.; and Mike Seidl, Indiana’s Hardwood Economic Development Program Manager. Seidl’s position is a joint position between the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and ISDA focused on strengthening and maintaining Indiana’s secondary hardwoods manufacturing sector.

Upon completion of the mission, the Indiana delegation agreed the vast construction in Dubai made it a tremendous opportunity for Indiana hardwood manufacturers.