The maiden Autocare and Transport Arabia (ATA) expo, which concluded here on Thursday showed that despite the global economic crisis, business in Saudi Arabia is almost “as usual.” It was organized by the Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. “Not only were we able to sell two of our products on display at the exhibition – a cement bulker and a dump trailer – for a total of SR250,000, but we also received inquiries worth at least SR2 million,” Ali Owdah Al-Shamrani, president and founder of the 50 years old 100 percent Saudi owned Al-Shamrani Factory for Draw Bar Trailers, told Saudi Gazette. “From our experience in participating in such events, we estimate that at least 50 percent of that amount will translate into firm orders,” explained Mohammed Tahqique, factory manager. Al-Shamrani said that the fact that ATA is an offshoot of the Saudi Arabian International Motor Show (SIMS), which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, shows that it is a beneficial event. “It shows that the economic crisis has not affected us,” he added. He explained Saudi Arabia has embarked on a number of new mega-projects covering a wide range of industries, a bulk of them focusing on those sectors of the economy in which the Kingdom has comparative advantages such as oil and petrochemical industries. “Private sector role in mega economic, industrial and infrastructure projects across the Kingdom is increasing,” he said and added, “We are proud to have participated in this as the ATA is an opportunity for us to increase our role in the country's construction, cement, chemicals, refinery, and oil plants sectors.” Al-Shamrani said that the company, which has plants in Dammam, Jeddah and Riyadh, a branch in Yanbu, and an extension office in Sharjah, has been participating in such shows with advantage and sees the present one as another such useful one. “It is an opportunity for senior people to discuss and learn, and understand the market requirements,” he added. He said that the market that they deal in is worth about $1 billon, of which their share is 25 percent. “We manufacture all types of industrial trailers. We are a pioneer and the only manufacturer of knuckle trailers in the kingdom, which are mainly used in Sabic petroleum industries in Yanbu and Jubail,” he said, and added, “We are also pioneer and the only manufacturer of air receivers.” Karam Abd El Mohsen, export and marketing general manager, Arab Company for Manufacturing Filters, F.A.C Filter, Egypt, in business since 1958, said he was keen to participate because Saudi Arabia is an important country and market for us. “We expect to do business worth about SR750,000, and will come next year as well,” he said.
