H.E. Mohamed Gello, Kenyan Ambassador to the UAE, has presented on motor trade best practices and on effective business strategies for Africa, and particularly on the East Africa market, while speaking at the 2nd Automechanika Dubai Network.
UAE-Africa trade is expected to increase by 27% to reach $50bn by the end of 2013, and Ambassador Gello urged delegates to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by this growth for business development. Approximately 70,000 cars were sold to Africa in 2012, and Dubai is considered the favoured transhipment hub for East Africa.
“East Africa is a dynamic market just waiting to be explored, and with a 6% growth rate it is the fastest growing region in the world, there are so many positive indicators for doing business within the locality,” the Ambassador launched.
“In the past three years the number of middle class has doubled, presenting broad business opportunities. The rate of investment grew tenfold in the last decade and the trajectory for the next decade makes it very clear that this is the right time to enter East Africa.”
He highlighted: “For auto vehicles and parts it represents a huge market. By 2030, the top 18 African countries are expected to have a combined spending power of $1.3 trillion.”
Adil Al Zarooni, senior vice president for sales at JAFZA, added: “At present there are 530 companies related to the automotive industry at JAFZA. Approximately 70,000 cars were sold to Africa in 2012, and Dubai is considered the favoured transhipment hub for East Africa.”
The event in Dubai was organisers by German trade fair and conference specoalists Epoc Messe Frankfurt, and attracted a number of UAE’s leading automobile aftermarket players, service providers and stakeholders, all keen to learn more about growing their business.
Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, senior show manager for Automechanika Dubai, commented: “Thanks to the success of the inaugural networking event it was decided to host it twice a year. Doing business in Africa is an area of attention for the trade and this edition of the network brought together experts to provide valuable insight into the trade and markets.”
Among attendees at the network where representatives from Arwani Trading, Al Buraq Tires, Schaeffler Middle East, Mineral Circle Bearings and Al Habtoor Motors, among others.
Automechanika Dubai 2013 drew 1,482 exhibitors from 58 countries and welcomed 24,141 visitors from 130 countries. Automechanika Dubai 2014 will take place from 3rd-5th June.
Approximately 70,000 cars were sold to Africa in 2012, and Dubai is considered the favoured transhipment hub for East Africa.