New Zealand’s construction and manufacturing sector will make its mark at the upcoming Big 5 building and construction show, with 25 exhibiting companies and a supporting programme organised by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).

The country's strong presence comes from the many years New Zealand companies have invested in developing niche market areas in the Middle East including green building solutions, pre-fabricated home designs, heating and chilling technology and IT products. 

Currently, New Zealand merchandise exports to the GCC are worth close to $1 billion annually to the New Zealand economy, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE representing the largest individual markets.

Construction and manufacturing make up a growing proportion, said aa top official of NZTE, the country’s national economic development agency.

Wayne Mikkelsen, NZTE’s Dubai-based trade commissioner commented that this year’s Big 5 was important for New Zealand as it continued to expand its economy beyond its traditional agricultural base diversifying  into high end, niche manufacturing.

'New Zealand arrives at The Big 5 this year with its strongest-ever representation of companies providing practical, competitive solutions to address the needs of the Middle East construction industry,' he noted.

'Our innovative approach and ability to customise is an increasingly important attribute in an economic environment where costs are under scrutiny.'

'The Middle East’s construction industry provides great opportunities for New Zealand’s manufacturing sector because companies are flexible and adaptable. One of our key strengths is the ability to provide tailored solutions to meet individual customer needs,' he added.

“Coming from a country known for its natural beauty, these companies are also environmentally aware and support ‘green building’ solutions in line with the strategic focus on sustainability evident throughout the Gulf,” he said.

New Zealand companies promoting environmentally friendly solutions at The Big 5 include Framecad, a company based at NZTE’s New Zealand Technology Oasis in Dubai Internet City.

Framecad produces steel frame building components that give long product life, the ability to recycle, easy transportation and less raw material wastage because all manufacturing is computer controlled.

A-Ward Attachments, another exhibiting New Zealand company, has developed revolutionary solutions for the demolition and recycling industry with technology able to reuse up to 99 per cent of all demolished building materials.

Other NZ-based companies showcasing their specialised manufacturing capabilities at the show include Aluart, AHI Roofing, Anchorage Pontoons, CHH Wood Products, Direction Systems, Euro Corp, Formtool Engineering Services, Hilton Industrial Vacuums, Hot Water Heat Pumps, Howick, Hunza, IFP Group, Jackson Electrical, King Klamps, Metrotile, Planhorse Systems Ltd, Pultron Composites, Scottsdale, Structruflex, Supaframe, EMA Group, Lighting Pacific and Tagaplus.-TradeArabia News Service