DUBAL sustains involvement in future aluminium markets

Through participation at ALUMINIUM China 2010, Dubai Aluminium aims to strengthen partnership-based business foundations and sustain market share in Asia.

Acknowledging the importance of the Far East and ASEAN regions both of which have represented major markets since the companys inception in 1979 Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (DUBAL) will once again participate in the annual ALUMINIUM China 2010 exhibition, which takes place this year in Shanghai from 9 to 11 June.

According to DUBALs Mohamed Qanbar (Manager: Marketing & Sales, Asia), ALUMINIUM China is rated as the most important and comprehensive aluminium industry event in China, offering a definitive international networking and trading platform where professional visitors can meet with suppliers of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products, surface treatment and producers of machinery, plant and equipment for aluminium processing and manufacturing, light-metals trade and service providers. For DUBAL, ALUMINIUM China presents a perfect opportunity to view the latest aluminium technologies while showcasing our products and services to the estimated 10,000 people who visit the exhibition each year, Qanbar says.

DUBAL will also take advantage of the opportunity presented by ALUMINIUM China 2010 to promote its advanced, proprietary DX Reduction Technology. Operating stably at higher amperages (approximately 370 kA), DX Reduction Technology cells offer increased productivity, improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact compared to lower amperage technologies. In addition, visitor attention will be drawn to the new information technology-based services that DUBAL plans to launch soon specifically a web-based customer portal that will not only bring a wide range of services within easy reach of customers but also enhance DUBALs communication with these vital stakeholders.

Qanbar adds that the overriding objectives of DUBALs participation at ALUMINIUM China 2010 are to raise awareness of the UAEs growing primary aluminium sector among customers in the Far East and ASEAN regions; and to position the company to pursue opportunities in these future markets. We are confident that the exhibition will again draw delegations from across China and farther a field, giving us the opportunity to network with existing and potential new customers, Qanbar says. This is important, given the strong position that DUBAL already holds in the Asian markets, our established sales infrastructure and the potential for further growth: in 2008, the greater region accounted for 38 per cent of DUBALs total sales, rising to 41 per cent in 2009. As in prior years, the orders in both 2008 and 2009 comprised a combination of foundry alloy, primarily for automotive applications; extrusion billet used in the construction, industrial and transportation sectors; and high purity aluminium for the electronics industry.

The presence of DUBAL at ALUMINIUM China 2010 is particularly pertinent in the light of ongoing negotiations between the GCC and China regarding the formulation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Initiated by the GCC in 2008, the FTA negotiations to date have entailed representatives of both regions meeting on two occasions; with both sides currently reviewing the packages in terms of products, services and other joint co-operations.

Qanbar advises that negotiations are still at an early stage; and that DUBAL is looking to play an active role in the negotiations as access to this important market will be vastly improved should the current duties be dropped.