One of the many big names participating in Musac at PALME 2005 for the first time was Korg, one of the largest international manufacturers of keyboards and mixers, who featured a comprehensive display of their product range in association with Zak Electronics, their partner in the UAE for over 22 years.
"This is a fantastic show", said Takashi Yoshida, Manager of Korg's International Sales Department, who had flown over from Tokyo especially for the event. "It's a great way to meet people from all over the Middle East region who are directly involved in the industry". Responsible for sales in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Yoshida sees massive potential in the Middle East market, particularly for keyboards and mixers, as the musical instrument business has grown over 300% in just the last three years.
"The Middle East market is potentially more valuable than the Chinese market" he added. "We estimate that there are between 7 and 10,000 musicians in Dubai alone, and with the on going development throughout the region, this number will continue to grow - in line with this, we have many exciting new products and innovations planned for launch in the next year".
One of the keys to Korg's success in the region is their long-term relationship with Zak Electronics. "Our two organisations have a very good relationship", said Ziad Al-Haj, General Manager of Zak Electronics. "We have worked together for many years, and are proud of the way that we have established and built the Korg brand in the market".
Al-Haj sees further potential in the form of music institutes. "There are already five institutes in Dubai that are using Korg products, and as more people are becoming interested in learning music, this is rapidly developing into an area of great promise for us, both in Dubai and throughout the region as a whole" he added.
"The inaugural Musac delivered a dedicated, specialist and unique regional forum which featured instruments and accessories from the world's leading manufacturers and regional distributors under one roof - feedback from both exhibitors and visitors has been extremely positive, and we already know that MUSAC will be expanded further in 2006" said Darren Brechin, Project Director, PALME. "MUSAC gives the region its own bespoke event, one that we know will, like the core PALME exhibition, take its place on the global circuit - it gives visitors the chance to see and hear, first-hand, the best that the industry has to offer."
Showcasing musical instruments and accessories, music distribution, publishing, production and promotion, sheet music, computer software for music plus merchandising and retail support, Musac's profile is comprehensive.
"We're already looking forward to Musac 2006" concluded Yoshida and Al-Haj. "It really is a unique marketing opportunity for us, and we are fully committed to be part of its growth in the coming years".
-Ends-
© Press Release 2005
