The American Hardwood Export Council (Ahec), the leading international trade association for the US hardwood industry, is coordinating the first ever American pavilion in the Middle East at the Dubai Woodshow 2007, the top dedicated wood and wood machinery exhibition in the Middle East.

Corresponding to an increase in the demand for US hardwood in the region which saw the total value of US hardwood exports to UAE rise by 21 per cent to $6.8 million as of September 2006, the pavilion aims to help US companies establish a strong foothold in the fast-growing Middle East. Ahec will also host a grading seminar to strengthen existing importers’ and manufacturers’ familiarity with American hardwood lumber and its specification techniques.
Featuring over 10 American hardwood exporters, the American pavilion marks the inaugural efforts of the US hardwood industry to introduce American companies from all hardwood-producing regions of the US to Middle Eastern traders and manufacturers. Companies exhibiting at the American pavilion include Baillie Lumber Company, Bradford Forest Products, General Construction Products Corp, Nina Company, Northland Corporation, Northland Forest Products, Roy Anderson Lumber Company, Sonoking Corp, and Spencer Veneer. Representatives from Ahec and the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council will also be on hand to provide general information on products, species, and applications.
David Venables, Ahec European director, said: “The dramatic increase in prestigious property developments throughout the region is driving up the demand for wood and wood products. As a result, there is significant potential for the well-entrenched and internationally recognised American wood industry to successfully operate within the Middle Eastern markets.”  Ahec recognises this fact and is eager to support the exhibition so as to fully explore the business opportunities in this sector. This will be the first time the American hardwood industry will be holding a large-scale networking reception for Middle East traders and American exporters.
The seminar hosted by Ahec will take place on February 27 at Al Murooj Rotana Hotel during the Dubai Woodshow. Among the speakers is Bob Sabistina, former chief inspector of National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) who will highlight the concept of how American hardwood lumber is graded. The seminar will also host a presentation by Venables.