ABU DHABI, 24 Aug, 05 (WAM) - After receiving an overwhelmingresponse last year, the second edition of the Auto Parts Re-exportShow is all set to begin at Expo Centre Sharjah from September11, 2005.

The three-day event, which prides itself as the Middle East'sonly dedicated exhibition for the auto parts re-export trade,will this year feature over 100 companies engaged in auto partsmanufacturing and trading from across the globe,according to a press release.

National pavilions from the USA, Taiwan, Turkey, and Iran, willalso be participating in the Show.

Among the product categories that will be on display at theevent are automobile components, garage equipment, tyres, batteries,and auto accessories.

"Traditionally, the UAE has been a major source for automobiles,machinery, spare parts, lubricants and tyres for East and NorthAfrica and also for the rest of the Middle East region," saidFasahat Ali Khan, Acting Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Several countries in Africa are currently experiencing majorindustrialisation and as a result of it there is a sweeping demandfrom these countries for auto parts and accessories," Khansaid.

He further added that Africa was a growing market for automobilespare parts and that Sharjah in the UAE was the perfect sourcinghub for it due to its location, competitive pricing and availabilityof direct shipping services to many African countries.

The coming edition of the Auto Parts Re-export show, besidesattracting a considerable number of trade visitors from Africancountries like Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Nairobiand Tanzania, will also witness large numbers of potential buyersfrom other GCC states, Russia, India, Egypt, Iran, CIS and Pakistan.

Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of SharjahChamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the Auto Parts Re-exportShow has already received support from major trade associationsand export promotion bureaus of several countries.

"UAE's aftermarket trade is valued at over US $ 11 billion perannum with more than 60 per cent of its aftermarket imports re-exportbound. The Auto Parts Re-export Show, due to its exclusive focuson the automotive aftermarket re-export trade, will to a largeextent facilitate in promoting UAE in general and Sharjah inparticular, as a premier sourcing hub for the automotive aftermarketre-export trade in the region," said Saif M. Al Midfa, Manager,Expo Marketing Services, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Like in the last edition, a major highlight of the second editionof the Auto Parts Re-export Show will be the Expo Forum thatwill be held on the sidelines of the event. The Forum will provideauto parts importers in the region a platform to interact withmanufacturers, officials from chambers of commerce from differentcountries, and members of various trade associations.