Worldwide business opportunities - trade fair dates and places

Business America, Sept 25, 1989

U.S. Promotions Abroad

Baghdad International Fair. Nov. 1-15, 1989. The Baghdad International Fair is the premier Iraqi trade event. Participating firms receive immediate exposure to important Iraqi decision-makers, generate qualified sales leads, and become known to Iraqi Government organizations issuing tenders. Last year more than 2,000 companies from 62 countries exhibited at the fair. Since the cease-fire with Iran, Iraq has embarked on a crash program to resume development, particularly those projects which assist in earning hard currencies. The country is developing capabilities in areas such as manufacture of cars, trucks, and industrial machinery, as well as development of high-tech capabilities in solar energy and integrated circuitry. Despite some privatization, Iraq remains a socialist economy in which government organizations currently produce 80 percent of the gross national product. Private sector activity is concentrated in agriculture, food processing, construction, textiles, tourism, services, and retailing. Iraq is already America's largest customer in the Middle East after Egypt and Saudia Arabia, and is considered the last major untapped market in the area. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Trade, the best prospects are: auto and machinery spare parts; construction materials and chemicals; construction machinery, equipment, and services; agricultural equipment, supplies, and commodities; electrical and power generation equipment and services; electrical accessories; food processing equipment and machinery; storage materials and household goods; stationery; pharmaceuticals; handicapped and rehabilitation products; industrial production machinery and robotics; irrigation equipment; and communications facilities. The Commerce Department trade specialist supporting this event is Jim Price, Room 1114, Washington, D.C. 20230, tel. (202) 377-4781.

U.S. Pavilion at the Korea International Auto Parts & Accessories Show '89 (KAPAS). Seoul, Korea. Nov. 3-7, 1989. Korea has the fastest growing automotive industry in the world. Since 1985, Korean motor vehicle manufacturing has nearly tripled, with production totaling well over one million vehicles in 1988. Korea plans to expand production to become the world's fifth leading auto maker by the early 1990s. Korea's success in the automobile industry means exceptional opportunities for U.S. parts suppliers. Korea's growing emphasis on high-technology and quality standards for its components translates into increased sourcing of equipment and parts. At last year's KAPAS show, more than 160 companies participated, met with over 40,000 visitors, and praised the high-level exposure they received with the Korean automotive industry. This year's exhibition promises to surpass last year's success. Now, more than ever, U.S. automotive parts suppliers are well-positioned to penetrate the lucrative and rapidly growing Korean automotive market. If you want to begin or increase your sales of original equipment to the "Big Three" in Korea--Hyundai, Daewoo, and Kia--you will not want to miss this opportunity. Booth space is limited. If you wish to reserve space or need further information, contact Heather Jones, Project Manager, Office of Automotive Industry Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 4036, Washington, D.C. 20230, tel. (202) 377-1418.

U.S. Pavilion at Robotica '89/Metromatica '89. Zaragoza, Spain. Nov. 14-18, 1989. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service in Barcelona, Spain is organizing a single U.S. pavilion at this joint fair to help American suppliers of robots, process controls, and instruments enter the Spanish market. The two shows are held simultaneously every two years in Zaragoza, Spain. In addition to robots and manipulators, Robotica '89 will display controls, components, accessories, and ancillary equipment for robots and manipulators. Robotics engineering services will also be highlighted. Metromatica will feature many scientific and analytical items, including: sensors; standards and measuring control and testing equipment; quality control equipment; electronic equipment for signal treatment; materials analysis, weighing, and sorting equipment; electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators and peripherals for measuring and control applications; industrial integral control solutions (e.g., CAD, CAM, and CIM); accessories; and ancillary equipment. The show will also highlight calibration and testing laboratories and engineering and service companies. In 1988, the total market in Spain for robots was about $100 million and for process controls nearly $880 million. Over the next three years, the market for robots is expected to grow 20-25 percent, while growth for the process controls market is estimated at 10-12 percent for the same period. American companies are invited to show their products at a booth in the U.S. Pavilion for $2,900 or to show their catalogs within the Pavilion for $400. U.S. companies interested in participating should contact Ralph Griffin, Commercial Officer, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, American Consulate General, APO New York 09286, phone (343) 319-9550, fax (343) 319-5621, telex 52672 CGBAR E.