Abu Dhabi, November 18, 2008: French Business Group (FBG) -- in association with Total --- will host the French pavilion at the Roadex-Railex Exhibition in Abu Dhabi from November 23 - 25, 2008.

As the region's traffic and transport industry enters an era of robust growth with key infrastructure projects in the pipeline, a select group of SMEs  (small & medium enterprises) from France aim to offer their expertise in diverse specializations. The exhibitors in the French pavilion include well-known names in surface transportation technologies, such as, Capsys, CDM, Corys, Gorgy Timing, MBD Design, Ocland, Signature, Sineu Graff, and LOHR. 


"The UAE is engaged in an impressive development of their transportation networks ... which represents numerous challenging opportunities where French companies have much to offer," says H.E Alain Azouaou, the French Ambassador to the UAE.

Leading French companies are already part of some high-profile transportation projects in the country including the Dubai Metro and the Al Sufouh tramway, to name a few.

FBG President, Jean-Pierre Giraud says, "As the gulf region seeks to convert its oil revenues toward a sustainable economic future, investment in transport and infrastructure is a logical step, and being present in this prestigious exhibition is a significant way forward for French companies in this growth sector".

Total, the leading multinational energy company has played a vital role in creating this window of opportunity for the SMEs in keeping with its long standing commitment to support smaller firms in expanding their international footprint. According to Francois Carcaud-Macaire, VP of Total Regional Development, "Helping, supporting and assisting project-holders serves to demonstrate that Total is not just extracting and exploiting underground resources, but the Group also knows how to contribute ... especially where the SME fabric needs to be built or re-built."

These initiatives are the backbone of the local business support program that Total created to help SMEs start up or expand in its host countries or regions. Since the creation of the program 30 years ago, Total has helped more than 3,000 SMEs worldwide by providing them with technological, financial and development assistance.

FBG and Total are inspired by the fact that French know-how in rail transportation has earned worldwide recognition with high-end expertise in rolling stock, operations, architecture and engineering. Leading French firms also enjoy international references in road transportation, signalization, parking solutions, street furniture and intelligent transport systems.

Hence they are playing a pivotal role in helping French SMEs get a piece of the action in the GCC's ambitious infrastructure development plans. Dubai's metro network is fast nearing completion and several major rail, tramway and road projects are underway.  Abu Dhabi has recently launched a major development initiative underpinned by an efficient transport infrastructure which includes a 30 Km monorail system, a metro network, roads, bridges, interchanges and tunnel projects worth billions of dollars. 

In addition, a UAE-wide railway network has been planned with a 1000 km network connecting all 7 emirates and providing a link to the Saudi border.

Meanwhile, the Gulf States are collaborating to build an advanced transportation infrastructure by 2030, including roads, causeways, bridges, railways, metro and ferries. GCC transport ministers have approved a feasibility study of the $12bn GCC railway project that will connect all GCC countries as well as Yemen through the 1,500km line. Individually as well, the GCC nations plan to develop internal rail networks that will improve connectivity and act as feeders to the main GCC line.

With the French pavilion in the Roadex-Railex Exhibition organized by the FBG and Total providing a strategic platform, these reputed French SMEs hope to tap into the burgeoning GCC markets.

-Ends-

About Total
Total is a multinational energy company committed to leveraging innovation and initiative to provide a sustainable response to the growing energy demand.
 
The fourth largest publicly-traded integrated international oil and gas company and a world-class chemicals manufacturer, Total operates in more than 130 countries and has 96, 400 employees.
 
In addition to conducting its business according to the highest standards of professional behavior, Total maintains an ongoing commitment to transparency, dialogue and respect for others.
 
Total is strategically dedicated to meeting the challenges faced by all our businesses when developing natural resources, protecting the environment, integrating our operations into host country cultures, and dialoguing with civil society.

About French Business Group
Abu Dhabi based French Business Group is a network of successful entrepreneurs formed with the objective of representing the French business community in the UAE, facilitating its Members' business development activities, assisting French companies to enter or expand their businesses here, sharing market information and commercial best practices, as well as advising visiting French business leaders and trade missions. Through its multi-faceted activities, FBG promotes the image and influence of France in the UAE.

About the SMEs participating in the French Pavilion at Roadex-Railex Exhibition, Abu Dhabi  

CAPSYS: Realistic technical innovation for traffic control 

Capsys S.A.S is a dynamic and innovative company with 15 years' experience in sensors development. The company has focused its R&D efforts on vehicle detectors and built strong expertise in Access control, Urban traffic control and Public transport management.

CDM PREFARAILS: Innovations in embedded slabtrack 

CDM is a leading and independent solutions provider active in the domain of noise and vibration isolation and pre-fabricated rail solutions. CDM develops, produces and sells systems for buildings, industrial machines and railway tracks.

CORYS: Highest level simulators in the world

With more than 450 simulators designed and manufactured over the last 30 years and currently operating in 32 countries, CORYS is the world leader in transport simulation. The simulators represent electric and diesel locomotives and trains, as well as metro and tramway cars. CORYS specializes in the design and production of simulators for training and engineering in power and transport industry.

GORGY TIMING:

Gorgy Timing - founded in 1974 - is well recognized in the different demanding sectors: civil and military aeronautical, railways, maritime and airport transportation, telecoms and broadcast. It is an independent company with a strong commitment to R&D as well as extensive know-how on transport secure timing and visual communication data regardless of distance.

MBD Design: The rolling stock design agency

MBD Design specializes in public transport vehicles and has designed and styled many rolling stocks: high speed trains, long distance trains, regional trains, metros, LRT and tramways. The agency is internationally known for its balance between technology, aesthetics and comfort. MBD's successful projects include: French high-speed train TGV East, the Korean High speed Train KTX II, Singapore Metro, Shanghai Metro, Marseille and Reims' Tramways, among others.

OCLAND: High tech programs for aeronautics, space and transportation domains 

OCLAND is developing the innovative transportation solution 'OPEN WAY' considered as the "missing link" solution for transportation. For aeronautics, OCLAND supports leading companies such as Dassault Aviation and Airbus Industries. It also has extensive experience in embedded systems design due to its proven track record in safety, operational reliability and integrated logistic support background.

SIGNATURE: Linking mobility and safety in a worldwide dimension

Signature specializes in equipment for roads, motorways, cities and infrastructure with operations in many parts of the world. It aims to improve the vital link between the road and its users with advanced signposting equipment, marking and related services designed to facilitate safer and more fluid mobility whilst respecting the environment.

Signature is the official supplier to Deutsche Bahn and SNCF as well as to international airports including Munich, Dusseldorf and Berlin.

SINEU GRAFF: Street Furniture

Over the past 38 years, Sineu Graff has developed into a premium brand designing and supplying high quality street furniture under 4 categories: Seating, Litter Bins, Protection and safety (tree grilles, barriers, bollards etc) and Planting (planters, containers etc). Its list of prestigious projects includes the Dubai marina, the Pearl of Qatar and Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris.

LOHR

The company is the world specialist in the design and production of transport systems of goods and persons. LOHR competes in three fields; road transport with the car-carrier, rail transport with Modalohr and public urban transport with Translohr.

© Press Release 2008