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Exhibitor Comments
Kristen Morris, Director, Designer, Frou Frou Maternity, Australia and children's wear stated: "This is our first time at the show and we're here to gauge response to our garments. We're very happy with the reactions we've got from trade visitors. We have received franchise enquiries from Jordan and UAE and are also speaking to wholesalers in Lebanon, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan. I see definite potential for our brand in the Middle East owing to the high population of children and we're delighted that MOTEXHA has opened a new market for us."
Andonis Antoniou, Sales Manager, K&S Antonoiu Leather products, Cyprus stated: "It was a great show for us. We signed deals worth US$ 100,000 and met with trade buyers from Singapore, Kenya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Antonious brand already has retail presence at Sahara Centre Sharjah, and plans to open another franchise boutique in BurJuman.
Vita Nazareno, General Manager of Promoindustria spa, the Italian leather and shoe trade organisation commented, "We are convinced of the business benefits of participating at MOTEXHA as it is currently the only trade show for the region's lucrative and fast-developing fashion, leather and textile industry. The show has also succeeded in attracting quality international as well as regional buyers interested in large volumes of merchandise to meet their regional expansion plans. It is one of our objectives to step up promotional activities in emerging markets to support the growing trade into the region."
A Suparyanti, Atstradeco, first time exhibitor Astradeco from Indonesia: "We are under negotiation with a buyer from Iran and a few from the UAE. We expect to close deals worth at least US$ 50,000."
Hema Mukhi, of Arts & Gems, United Arab Emirates that sells exclusive jewelled bags: I have received extremely positive response about my products from trade visitors, especially from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. I am also looking at expanding my retail presence, perhaps in Bur Juman.
Shahariah Sabarudin, Indoyan Needles Enterprise (from Malaysia), "This is my second time at the show and I've understood the way the Middle East market works much better. I've met with traders from KSA, Qatar and Oman who were very enthusiastic about my home furnishing products. I plan to move to Dubai and open my own retail boutique shortly."
UK based agent and distributor for Kirby Footwear, Danny Warren said: "This is our 1st time in the Middle East and we thought MOTEXHA was the best platform to enter the Middle East market. We have had several orders from retail store owners in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain and made contacts with traders here. We sell Schutz ladies for women and Democrata for men."
Lourdes from Philippines, selling exquisite embroidered and lace fabric: This is our 3rd time at the show and we are very pleased with the response. I have already done US$ 200,000 of business with designers and fabric store traders from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Oman, which was my target audience.
Fouad F. Rashid, General Manager, Al Modha 22 Trading (Pinpolho kids wear): "We met buyers from the UAE, KSA, Iran. Received two large orders worth US$ 60,000 with regular buyers."
Rashid Anwar, Chairman and CEO, Amco Global, Pakistan: "We had a very successful debut participation. We conducted business worth S$ 800,000 so far. And have 15 potential deals under negotiation. We are planning to come back with a much larger space next year. And would like to use our presence at MOTEXHA to network with traders throughout the GCC. We met with traders from the UAE, KSA, Europe (Norway)."
Ist time exhibitor Kakadu (National Sales Manager Abdol El Sayed) from Australia said: We met with a few wholesalers. Our experience has taught us that there is definitely potential for our merchandise in the Middle East region and this is a market worth exploring.
Manager of International Business Department, Jiaxing Ximen (the world's largest jacquard and artificial fur manufacturer, China) Darren Dafeng Wu commented, "MOTEXHA is well-placed to help us meet traders from across the Middle East and Europe. We also conducted business worth US$ 200,000 with independent regional traders"
"MOTEXHA's business to business environment and serious trade visitor profile is the ideal platform to unveil our brand," commented Mazen Chafiq, General Manager, Midsports.
Ahmad Abdalla, Managing Director, Arabic Triangle: "I met well known traders from Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, and we had fruitful negotiations. This is my first time at Motexha, and I notice it is a very professional show for signing up valuable deals."
Azzam Jakoush, Mario Zegoni, "We are participating at Motexha as it is a good place to meet with big traders coming from the GCC Market. I have met traders from Iran, Kuwait, Emirates and expect to sign good deals in the last 2 days."
Farooq Dhanani, Managing Director, Vogue Impex, India largest importers of scarves and stoles in the region said: "We need to meet more buyers from North Africa as that is our main market. However we met many trade buyers from the GCC region."
Pascal Koray Zandar of Zaqndar Ayakkabi, Turkey said, "This is out 7th year at MOTEXHA. We have a few regular buyers and have also met new clients. We definitely see a value in attending the show as we have been able to expand our business in the UAE and KSA through contacts at the show. The fact that we understand the Arabic culture is also a big plus point. The demand for leather products is very strong and we have conducted business worth US$15,000 so far.
"MOTEXHA represents a proven entry point to Middle East retailers and chain stores. The show has provided us with the opportunity to meet the right profile of buyers, and that is the reason we keep coming back." Stuttgart Trading signed a mega US$ 1 million dollar deal with Carrefour to supply to all their Middle East outlets over the next six months, besides deals with retailers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, East Africa and Jordan." Salim Raza, Managing Director, Stuttgart Trading
"I view my first time at MOTEXHA as a learning experience; an opportunity to test the market and gauge response. Our line of luxurious evening garments were extremely well-received and we are in discussion with a buyer from Saudi Arabia." Karen Merkel, Australia
"This is our first time at MOTEXHA and we came in primarily to gauge response to our products. However, the response was completely unexpected as we did solid business in the first hour itself. We are strongly considering coming back next year with a bigger stand so we can bring in more designs." Saleena Sidhu, President, Pfiff Lingerie, USA
"The reason we keep coming back to MOTEXHA is simple; we see a significant increase in business through our presence at the show. We expect to close deals worth at least AED 2 million by the end of the show, and judging by the business we have already closed, we will definitely meet this target." Bilal Chahine, General Manager, Fantino Leather Qatar
"We depend on the contacts we build at MOTEXHA spring and autumn to sustain our business as we continue to receive enquiries and orders even after the show. This year we closed deals with Sensation, IBH, Dormi and the AD Group. The total amount of revenue generated was in the range of US$ 50,000 to 1 million."Janine, Turkey
"This year we saw many buyers from Saudi, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen and Oman. The total size of the deals has increased by 20 percent for each of the exhibitors in the Brazil pavilion, most in the range of US $ 100,000 dollars." Abdul Rahman, General Manager, Arab Brazil
"We came in to MOTEXHA to familiarise ourselves with the Middle East market, network and explore franchising opportunities. MOTEXHA is a reputable and trusted forum, and provided us a window into the Middle East fashion market. We also had a few booking orders for our merchandise. We look forward to building stronger relations and perhaps even a retail presence here." Mike Wu, Founder, BY3 Designs, Singapore
"Spring 2004 was much better than expected. As regular exhibitors at the show, we met with several of our regular buyers who came in specifically to see what Canada has to offer. Our presence in the Middle East is important, and I can't think of a better forum than MOTEXHA to do maintain the right visibility. All in all a satisfying show; we look forward to even bigger growth in Autumn." Harry Kaprielian, President, Canadex International Trading, Canada
"We received good response for our Red Star brand of Jeans from GCC buyers. A retailer at Palm Strip, Jumeirah has also bought out the Red Star collection to test market it in the UAE."
Shehnaaz Nauthoa, Managing Director, Blush
"I chose to exhibit in the PURE branded wear area of MOTEXHA as it provided the right platform for my designer line. I see strong potential for my exclusive evening garments among the Middle East clientele, as the colours, design and fabric suit the extravagant tastes and lifestyles of Middle East women. I received a few franchising enquiries from an agent in the UK, companies in the UAE and other GCC players, as well a few business orders." Shahariah Sabarudin, Indoyan Needles Enterprise, Malaysia
"This is the first time we are participating at MOTEXHA, and the news of a separate KidZone is welcome. The exhibition will open gateways to the international market and we look forward to feedback from buyers. Our range comprises cotton-knits and accessories which have been well-accepted by overseas markets. We hope Kidzone will help us expand our export market base in the Middle East and beyond." Jagat Bakeri, Director, Kid Studio, India
"The exhibition is a good platform from where we can reach regional markets. One of my main buyers is from Saudi Arabia. The show is on every businessman's agenda and a must visit" - Saeed Al Hili, Owner, Al Shafaya Trading, UAE
"The GCC garment business is nearly at saturation point and Motexha acts as a platform to give the industry a much needed boost to pick up on fashion trends and keep up to date with the latest industry developments in Europe." - Riad El-Taji, General Manager, Aseel Company
"Motexha is a chance for making good deals in the Gulf and European markets, and is a good marketing platform for other countries around the region. It is also our entry into the UAE market." - Nagi Kahwagi, Managing Director, Emmanuel Leather Company
"We had excellent visitors and on average 20 potential new customers. The response has been overwhelming. We have signed orders from the UAE & Iran worth US$ 100,000/- which is a market breakthrough for us." - Nguyen Van Thien, Vice Commercial Director, Thai Tuan Textile and garment Company, Vietnam
"We received test orders from UAE buyers which we are really pleased about. Surprisingly for us we had visitors from Senegal and Kenya...definitely new markets for us. We most definitely will come to Motexha next year as we can tap into the African markets from here." - Celal Sezerler, Director, SCS Deri Urunleri ve Ayakkabi San. Tic. Ltd, Turkey
"The Middle East is a growing market and this is confirmed by a study conducted by the British Footwear Association. We received lots of enquiries and genuine interest in our products at the show." - Richard Marsh, Managing Director, Rainbow Club Ltd, UK
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