International Expo-Consults (IEC) have announced a renewed focus on chemical process technology and the specialty chemicals industry at Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2003, the region's only international show for the chemical, petrochemical, chemical process technology, corrosion control and management industries.

IEC is prioritising the rapidly expanding chemicals sector in response to industry demand, voiced in the wake of this year's show that saw a 49 per cent increase in visitors.

Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2003 will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from March 4 to 6, 2003.

"The Middle East is a very important market for the chemicals industry. Apart from its own indigenous production, the region imports more than $15 billion worth of petrochemical and chemical products annually," said Mohammed Falaknaz, IEC vice chairman.

"And with annual industry growth of between 10 and 15 per cent, we want next year's Chemtex and Corrosion to be a launch pad for companies targeting new and developing regional markets."

Also new for 2003 will be a 500sq m official Indian national pavilion, Chemtex India. It follows a visit to Dubai, earlier this year, by a representative of the Mumbai-headquartered Chemexcil, the Basic Chemicals, and Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Export Promotion Council.

"India is a leading chemical exporter, especially for the pharmaceuticals and textiles industries. Chemexcil sees the exhibition as the right forum to help its more than 8,000 members tap new Middle East markets," said Falaknaz.

Chemtex and Corrosion Middle East 2002, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from March 10-14, was the biggest ever in its five-year history. It was two-thirds larger than the previous event, with over 70 companies and industry organisations from 19 countries.

Visitor figures increased by 1,069 over the previous year. Although more than three-quarters, 78 per cent, came from the Middle East, there were significant numbers from the Indian subcontinent, 11 per cent, East Africa, 7 per cent and the CIS, 4 per cent.

Chemtex & Corrosion Middle East 2002 had unprecedented industry support from Nace, the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, the Arab Federation for Chemical and Petrochemical Industries (AFCPI) and The Australasian Corrosion Prevention Association (ACPA).

"I was very impressed and I will be recommending to our association's corporate members that we do more of these shows," said Mark Weston, ACPA.

"Traditionally Australian companies have focused on South-east Asian markets, so the Middle East is something of an unknown quantity for us. But, it is clear, there is great potential in the region for our membership to capitalise on."

Among international companies targeting regional market expansion was Ogussa, a leading Austrian producer of precious metal laboratory equipment and wires.

"The Middle East is becoming highly industrialised with modern technology standards. This makes the region of prime interest to us," said Franz Vesely, division manager, technical materials, Ogussa, which has a regional office in Sharjah.

"Our target industries are cement, steel and oil and we believe these sectors will continue to expand, in step with regional population growth and infrastructure development."

Also initiating regional expansion was the UAE's Aegis Technical Systems. The corrosion protection specialists, established in 1992 to regionally represent Canada's Corrosion Service Company, plans to expand Gulf wide.

"The company's central focus has been North America but the long-term strategy includes growth in the Middle East, a region which is developing into a very diverse and primary industry based economy," said John Chase, Middle East manager, Aegis Technical Systems.

"This shift, away from oil- and gas-based economies, allows greater variety in the employment sector as well as export markets. As our expertise covers a broad industry spectrum we view these changes as exciting and challenging."

And Ajman's Emirates Techno Casting (ETC), a market leader in the manufacture of zinc and aluminum alloy anodes for the marine and offshore industries, announced it is to invest $5 million in a production plant to produce new-generation pipeline repair clamps.

"We plan to have the new Ajman factory operating by the end of this year. It will give us a 50 per cent increase in production capacity and enable us to manufacture up to 300 offshore repair clamps a month," said Roger Joyce, general manager, ETC.