CAIRO: Egypt's domestic wood production topped $5 billion in 2011, making it the leader in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), according to a statement. Despite political unrest this year, Egypt was able to post over $3 billion in furniture production and $1 billion in furniture imports, according to figures released by Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, an exhibition and conference organizer in the United Arab Emirates. Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions announced the first ever Cairo International Wood and Wood Machinery Show, to be held at the Cairo conference center from October 9-12, in a bid to “tap the country's wood market and nurture its continuous growth by acting as a strategic trading platform that will bring out the most effective networking opportunities for Egypt and its neighboring countries.” According to organizers, “Egypt's commodities market has proven its sustainability, strength and ability to position itself at the forefront of the regional and international trading. “The vibrancy is further demonstrated in the increased demand for wood-based products and supplies across the construction industry as well as the home style sector of the budding North African and East African hospitality, tourism and property development sectors.” The Cairo WoodShow will showcase the products and services of over 700 manufacturers and traders from over 150 countries, featuring daily thought leadership conferences, workshops and one-on-one business meetings. “Egypt's growth and development, particularly in the wood segment, is truly remarkable amidst political events that happened earlier this year, we are witnessing a continuous influx of more projects, ably positioning the country as an emerging hub for growth and development in the MEA region,” said Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions. “We feel that this is the most opportune time to hold Cairo WoodShow…[to] showcase the latest in wood and working machinery from some of the world's leading names in the wood industry.” The event will feature exhibitors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China and Switzerland. Egypt has seen furniture and wood product export activity flourish, importing over 100 percent of wood, panels, machines and tools, aiming to address the growing demand for wood in household products like flooring and furniture.
