Brother Lauds Dubai Police Crackdown On Proliferation Of Counterfeit Products In The UAE

Brother International (Gulf) FZE, a leader in home and business IT peripherals that focuses on the ‘Customer-First’ approach, has praised Dubai Police and its Anti-Economic Crimes Unit for the excellent work they have rendered in the fight against the proliferation of counterfeit products in the UAE. The leading company lauded the UAE law enforcement agency’s recent success in conducting a sting operation that resulted in the seizure of more than AED 14 million worth of counterfeit products of Brother Consumables and other leading international brands. To date, the leading manufacturer has organized lectures and workshops showcasing actual samples of counterfeit and original products, which has helped the authorities in the fight against piracy.

According to reports, more than 7,000 pieces of fake Brother Toners and ink cartridges were recovered from a villa in the Al Tawar area. Following a tip-off, agents from the Dubai Police Anti-Economic Crimes unit conducted surveillance and investigated the area, which led to the arrest of an Asian man who also showed another area in Ajman where more counterfeit items were recovered. Joining the effort to fight product piracy, Brother Gulf has taken measures to combat the spread of counterfeit goods. The company has conducted its own studies, investigation and research on cheap knock-off versions of their products and have taken legal action where required.

According to Brother Senior Officials, the leading company is lauding the UAE government’s law enforcement agencies and their commitment to curb the proliferation of counterfeit items in the country. In particular, Brother has extended its congratulation to the Dubai Police Force and its Anti-Economic Crimes Unit on the success of their recent seizure of more than AED 14 million worth of fake branded items. In line with this, Brother has affirmed its full support to the country’s various law enforcement agencies and their implementation of programs, operations and campaigns to fight piracy and prevent these fake items from leaking out in the market.

Over the recent years, Brother has become a staunch supporter of the campaign against counterfeit branded items. The leading company has joined several raids and has also helped in destroying the seized items. According to Brother, the continued manufacture of fake goods can lead to the erosion of an established brand’s bottom-line performance. A 2010 report from the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition shows that the global trade in counterfeit goods is now worth USD 600 billion (AED 2.2 trillion) and accounts for as much as seven per cent of the world economy.

Brother has expressed concerns that the widespread piracy of leading branded products has caused companies to incur huge losses in the market. To help avoid this, the leading company is calling for the development and production of better and improved products combined with better ways of providing authenticity. Brother is also encouraging consumers to only patronize genuine and authentic products and to buy them only at reputable and official distributor stores and outlets. As a global leader, Brother aims to generate customers for life and keep them satisfied with the superior performance of its products. Counterfeit products compromise on their stringent quality standards and at the same time cheats consumers of high-quality solutions.
 

TheGreenEcostore.Com To Launch Preserve Products At Taste Of Dubai

TheGreenEcostore.com will be displaying a range of Preserve recycled plastic products for the kitchen at the Taste of Dubai, which is taking place in Dubai Media City from 3-5 March, 2011.

Anu Agarwal, Founder of TheGreenEcostore.com stated, "We will be launching the Preserve brand of superior recycled and eco-friendly kitchen products at the Show. I am confident that visitors to the Show will love to buy these quality products from USA that are for the first time available in the Middle East.

To date, Preserve products have used nearly 100 tons of recycled plastic. By using recycled plastics they have significantly reduced both the pollution emitted and energy consumed in the exploration, drilling, transporting and refining of oil into petrochemicals that are used to make new plastic.

TheGreenEcostore.com markets products that use less energy, re-use materials, don’t pollute or that are natural and organic. TheGreenEcostore.com supports environmentally friendly manufacturers & designers. All customers are guaranteed products which are ‘green’, easily absorbed into the ecosystem, without compromising on design or quality.

Preserve products can also be ordered online from www.TheGreenEcostore.com.

About Taste of Dubai

The Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City, will play host to the all new Taste of Dubai presented by Philips on 3rd – 5th March 2011, returning with an incredible line up of restaurants and celebrity chefs plus a brand new music stage hosting live international acts performing classic hits.

 

For more information:

Email: contactus@thegreenecostore.com
Website: http://www.TheGreenEcostore.com

Ducab Consolidates Its Cables Copper Products Portfolio At Middle East Electricity Exhibition 2011

Dubai Cable Company (Ducab), one of the leading manufacturers of power cables in the Middle East, will be showcasing its entire range of energy cables, connect accessories and copper products at the Middle East Electricity Exhibition 2011 (MEEE). The move comes as the organization looks to highlight its production capabilities while broadening its product range in 2011. Ducab aims to be prominently represented at stand 7E10, Hall 7, at the 36th edition of Middle East Electricity, which takes place at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 8th to 10th February 2011.

Ducab’s MEEE participation is going to serve as a platform to interact with the majority of UAE based loyal customers who have been the strength of Ducab, more so during the challenging times in the recent past. By offering top quality cables & copper products including drawn wires, conductors and rods, Ducab has established itself as a brand of first choice by most users in the market. The company has established a copper rod mill as part of a backwards integration system where internationally sourced copper cathode is converted into highest grade rods and drawn into wires. These rods, which Ducab started manufacturing in 2008, are one of the main constituent of Ducab’s cables, but are also sold separately and exported to many countries outside of the Middle East region.

“There are several exciting developments occurring at Ducab, including the introduction of the HV /EHV range of cables going up to 400,000 volts. There is also a drive to establish regional and international market presence through a network that sees us come into closer proximity with our customers. We are looking forward to meeting our customers and stakeholders in person during the Middle East Electricity exhibition, and take advantage of the significant markets interest our products garnered through 2010 participation,” said Andrew Shaw, Ducab Managing Director.

Ducab is already exploring regional markets, but wants to use events like Middle East Electricity 2011 to expand its manufacturing presence and customer profile to key regional markets. While the UAE remains the cable manufacturer’s core market, countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia and parts of Europe look particularly promising in terms of business development. At current point in time, Ducab’s products are sold in over 40 countries worldwide, with approximately 65-70% of Ducab’s total sales made in the UAE.

“We consider MEEE an excellent platform to network with purchasers and decision-makers in the industry, and we are looking forward to a successful week ahead. We aim to highlight new additions to our product range, while simultaneously highlighting Ducab’s commitment to excellent customer service and engineering,” he added.

MEEE has firmly established itself as the meeting place for industry professionals wishing to network with, and source solutions from, local and international companies offering end-to-end solutions for the power generation, lighting, water, nuclear and new & renewable energy industries. The 2010 iteration of the show was attended by over 45,000 industry professionals, purchasers, and decision-makers.

Ashish Chaturvedy, Marketing Manager, Ducab said, "Ducab actively participates at MEEE every year. The show provides a great opportunity for us to interact with existing and potential contractors, developers and consultants from Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asian region whilst allowing us to showcase our complete range of copper products, cables and cable accessories. MEEE 2010 served as an excellent platform to launch the new Ducab Connect product range of cable accessories and renew relationships with supply chain partners alike, and we look forward to a highly successful 2011 event.”

“We want to highlight the fact that Ducab, in addition to adding new volume capabilities with Ducab HV in 2011, is working to expand its offerings with products tailored to market demand, and the specific needs of our client,” he concluded.
 

Ekotribe Exhibits Innovative Green Products At The World Future Energy Summit 2011

Ekotribe is displaying a range of environment friendly products and smart energy saving gadgets at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011, which is taking place in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January 2011. Anu Agarwal, Director of Ekotribe stated, "At WFES we are looking to find suitable partners who can represent us in other GCC countries. We now have over 200 eco-friendly products from US, Canada, Europe and Australia which have a tremendous potential in the region. Both corporate and individuals can use our products to save vital energy resources at work and at home.”

Ekotribe is displaying a wide range of energy and water saving devices, including green gadgets and solar appliances. Other products on display include reusable shopping bags, recycled paper and stationery, BPA-free water bottles and lunch boxes, solar powered backpacks and eco-office products with corporate branding.

Ekotribe stand # 4400 is located in Hall 4 of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

About Ekotribe

Ekotribe was started with a desire to introduce green living. Ekotribe supports environmentally friendly manufacturers & designers. All customers are guaranteed products which are ‘green’, easily absorbed into the ecosystem, without compromising on design or quality.

Ekotribe strives to offer high quality products that are – Biodegradable, Environmentally safe, Handmade, Natural, Recycled, Recyclable, Reusable, Sustainable or Organic. Ekotribe is promoting a lifestyle that includes being aware of the environment, yet enjoying high-end products without forgoing quality & design.

About WFES

Since its inception in 2008, World Future Energy Summit ‘WFES’ has evolved as the world’s foremost and must-attend annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. In 2010 WFES uniquely brought together over 24,760 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges.

WFES includes a world class summit, two exhibitions, young future energy leaders program, round table discussions, industry and investment seminars, corporate meetings and social events.

For more information, contact:

Anu Agarwal
Ekotribe FZ LLC
An Enpark Company
P. O. Box 53735
Dubai
Tel: +9714 3327693
Fax: +9714 3318812
Email: Website:
Email: media@ekotribe.com
Website: http://www.ekotribe.com

On Twitter at:
Website: http://twitter.com/ekotribe
 

Ekotribe To Demonstrate Eco-Friendly Consumer Products And Technologies At The World Future Energy Summit 2011

Commenting ahead of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2011, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 17-20 January 2011, Anu Agarwal, Director of Ekotribe stated, "WFES promotes innovation and investment opportunities surrounding renewable energy and environment. We aim to capitalize on this unrivalled business platform to showcase our latest environment friendly products and technologies. Our participation in WFES 2011 further demonstrates our commitment in helping UAE and the region in reducing its carbon footprint while providing superior eco-products that enable eco-friendly lifestyles”.

Ekotribe will be exhibiting a wide range of energy and water saving devices, including green gadgets and solar appliances. Other products on display include reusable shopping bags, recycled paper and stationery, BPA-free water bottles and lunch boxes, solar powered backpacks and eco-office products with corporate branding.

Ekotribe stand # 4400 is located in Hall 4 of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

About Ekotribe

Ekotribe was started with a desire to introduce green living. Ekotribe supports environmentally friendly manufacturers & designers. All customers are guaranteed products which are ‘green’, easily absorbed into the ecosystem, without compromising on design or quality.

Ekotribe strives to offer high quality products that are – Biodegradable, Environmentally safe, Handmade, Natural, Recycled, Recyclable, Reusable, Sustainable or Organic. Ekotribe is promoting a lifestyle that includes being aware of the environment, yet enjoying high-end products without forgoing quality & design.

About WFES

Since its inception in 2008, World Future Energy Summit ‘WFES’ has evolved as the world’s foremost and must-attend annual meeting for the renewable energy and environment industry. In 2010 WFES uniquely brought together over 24,760 attendees from 148 countries including world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to find practical and sustainable solutions for today’s energy security and climate change challenges.

WFES includes a world class summit, two exhibitions, young future energy leaders program, round table discussions, industry and investment seminars, corporate meetings and social events.

For more information, contact:

Anu Agarwal
Ekotribe FZ LLC
An Enpark Company
P. O. Box 53735
Dubai
Tel: 04- 3327693, Fax: 04-3318812
Email: media@ekotribe.com
Website: http://www.ekotribe.com

On Twitter at:
Website: http://twitter.com/ekotribe
 

Dubai To Increase Islamic Finance Products To Germany

Dubai Exports, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), Government of Dubai, led an Islamic Financial Services Trade Mission to Germany. The Mission was organised in partnership with the German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK) and sought to assist firms from the UAE to enter the largest economy in Europe.

Eng. Saed Al Awadi, CEO of Dubai Exports, said that, “two years ago we started promoting UAE’s capabilities and expertise in Islamic or Shariah compliant financial services to major markets abroad. We were not surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response and the successful outcomes that have been achieved to date. This mission builds on from our previous successes and allows our firms in the sector to target new markets”.

Al Awadi’s comment is strongly supported by statistics which show that global Islamic banking assets have grown approximately 10% per annum from the mid 1990s when they were about US$150 billion.

Today, global Islamic financial assets stand at approximately US800 billion. Industry experts claim that over the next decade the sector may reach US$4 trillion. In fact, some areas of Islamic finance, such as insurance or takaful, has been doubling in size each year since 2002.

The growth of Islamic Financial Services has been driven by a growing Islamic population that is enjoying a rapid rise in purchasing power, due to better education and employment opportunities. This has been supported by financial engineering and innovation in the provision of Islamic financial products and services. No longer is Islamic finance limited to simply the provision of interest free bank accounts but includes a whole spectrum of products such as fund of funds, exchange traded funds, hedge funds and real estate investment trust which are all gaining widespread acceptance.

These new products have increased investor awareness of Islamic products and made them more willing to invest in them. The same is true in the corporate sector whereby Islamic financial innovation has developed products while being Shariah compliant meet the needs of the modern business.

“The financial innovation has been greatly assisted by financial centers and their regulators who have understood the importance of the sector and its unique structure. In this respect the UAE has become the leader and pioneer with the first recognized Islamic bank being established in the country, the first Islamic stock exchange and not only does it have the greatest number of listed Islamic bonds or sukuks, but also the largest ever sukuk issued” stated Al Awadi. The Mission was accompanied by leading firms in the sector based in the UAE with the principle aim of showcasing the high level of expertise in the area in Dubai as well as to connect the participants with potential opportunities in Germany.

Germany has the largest Muslim population in Europe of 4 million with an estimated wealth in excess of 35 billion euros. The German potential is huge for the Islamic finance world because the growth rate of the population is high as well as being young. Three quarters of the Muslim population in Germany is below the age of 49.

In addition, estimates show that the Muslim population in Germany has a much higher saving ratio of 18% compared to 10% for the country as a whole. More importantly, a survey in 2010 showed that 72% of Muslims living in Germany are interested in Islamic Financial products. The survey found that if such products were to be offered in Germany 60% of respondents would consider an investment. An amazing 94% of them stated that they would purchase such products if offered by an Islamic financial institution.

In the case of the Islamic insurance sector it is estimated to be worth more than 1 billion euros. Studies show not only is the retail component lucrative but so is the corporate sector. Muslim entrepreneurs generated more than 50 billion euros in profits last year and this is and ideal market for the launch of Shariah compliant corporate products.

Neil Miller the Global Head of Islamic Finance at KPMG and one of the participants on the Trade Mission stated that, “I have been pleasantly surprised by this Trade Mission in that it is apparent that since my previous visits to Germany over the last 5 years, there is a genuine desire on the part of the authorities to support the establishment of Islamic financial Institutions.

Miller has considerable experience in Islamic finance and was involved in the setting up of the first Islamic bank and Investment House in the UK. Miller continued to state, “that the export led real economy with its deep manufacturing and technology base in sectors that are inherently compatible with Shariah investment objectives offer a natural fit for Islamic finance which is also concerned with the real economy”. The regulatory changes are being discussed although at an early stage nevertheless gave comfort to the firms in the Trade Mission that they can make a valid contribution to the Islamic financial services landscape in Germany.

Saud Siddqiui the Chief Operating Officer of Dar Istithmar stated that, “The Trade Mission was an excellent Initiative by Dubai Exports which has provided firms such as ours to meet with the real decision makers and players in the Islamic finance space and to explore how we can contribute in their efforts to launch Shariah compliant products and services.” Siddiqui continued to state that, “the discussions with government authorities allowed the participants to better understand the regulatory framework of the country so as to develop a more appropriate strategy for expansion into the country”.

The clear message that came from the Trade Mission to Germany was that there are no regulatory provisions which prohibit Islamic financial products and services in the country. This means that offering Islamic financial products in the German market is possible. The German state of Saxony Anhalt has already issued an Islamic bond or sukuk. However, there are still some changes that need to be made in order that Islamic financial products are treated at par with conventional ones.

The participants in the Mission brought them to the attention of the authorities and trust that it will be only a very short while before UAE firms enter the sector in Germany. UAE firms in the Islamic finance sector have been growing at home and have been keen to enter new markets overseas.

Al Awadi furthered that, “our mandate is to support UAE firms to export their products and services overseas and this mission is one of the many ways in which Dubai Exports has be spearheading this in export drive of the emirate. I am sure that as more countries make the necessary regulatory changes so as to treat Islamic finance at par with conventional products it will allow our firms to gain greater market coverage.”

 

Construction Industry Emerges As GCCs Top Sector For Aluminium Products, Consuming 400,000 Tonnes Annually

The GCC’s building and construction industry currently consumes up to 400,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, making it one of the biggest markets for aluminium products in the region. In particular, construction projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait have been key growth markets that are driving the surge in demand for aluminium.

According to Deloitte Middle East’s GCC Powers of Construction 2010 report, the UAE has 36 per cent – worth USD 958 billion – of total construction projects in the region, and is expected to see its construction industry grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6 per cent between 2010 and 2014. KSA on the other hand, currently has a 38 per cent share of the total construction projects in the region, and is expected to launch contracts worth USD 86 billion in 2011. Currently the Kingdom has USD 624 billion worth of projects planned or underway. Qatar has a 15 per cent share, and the country has the biggest growth potential as its CAGR from 2010 to 2014 is estimated to reach 12 per cent. Aluminium has a significant influence on the building and construction sector in these countries and in the rest of the GCC because of the diversity of ways of processing aluminium and its excellent properties that unlock a virtually unlimited potential for creativity and innovation in the design of projects.

Likewise in Kuwait, the government’s firm commitment to its infrastructure stimulus measures will continue to drive growth in the construction sector in 2011. According to Business Monitor International, in Kuwait construction industry value of USD 2.4 billion is forecast for 2011 with year on year growth reaching 2.4 per cent.

Catering to the spiralling regional demand for aluminium will be one of the key issues to be discussed at the 2nd edition of ALUMINIUM Dubai, the local version of Reed Exhibitions’ global series of aluminium events which also covers India, China and Germany. The leading aluminium trade show for the Middle East will be held from May 9 to 11, 2011 at Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 and 3 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“KSA, the UAE and Qatar easily combine for majority of ongoing construction projects in the GCC and are likewise expected to continue to dominate the construction landscape in the future. The building and construction sector will definitely be a key factor in sustaining the strong demand for aluminium in the GCC," said Mahmood Daylami, General Secretary, Gulf Aluminium Council.

Tarek Ali, Show Manager, ALUMINIUM Dubai, Reed Exhibitions, said: “ALUMINIUM Dubai 2011 creates opportunities and opens exciting possibilities for the world’s top aluminium companies and other key industry players to take advantage of the enormous growth potential of the GCC’s aluminium market. We certainly expect the growth trend in the GCC to sustain its momentum as developers and contractors in the region remain eager to take advantage of the excellent properties of aluminium to suit the aesthetic, budget and quality demands of their projects. Moreover, ALUMINIUM Dubai will also help boost awareness about the benefits and strategic advantages of aluminium as a truly modern building material that can be used in all types of building and construction projects, including the world’s biggest and tallest structures."

In light of the region’s extreme weather conditions, aluminium has become popular in building and construction projects in the GCC because it combines lightweight and high strength and has good corrosion resistance, resulting in long service lifecycle and huge cost savings in maintenance and repair. Moreover, aluminium is also characterised by its formability, machinability and ease of use, giving aluminium manufacturers the freedom to develop a limitless range of designs and functionalities.

ALUMINIUM Dubai 2011 seeks support the growth of the aluminium sector by providing a conducive networking platform for manufacturers, suppliers and buyers from the GCC. This year’s event also aims to build on the success of the show’s 2010 edition, which gathered 165 exhibitors from 23 countries and over 3,000 visitors from 61 countries. For this year’s event, a total of 93 companies have already confirmed participation, with several more exhibitors from all over the world are expected to follow.
 

Emirates NBD Sets Up Gold Business To Provide Gold-Backed Products And Services

Emirates NBD, the leading bank in the region, today announced the launch of its "Gold Business," which will offer a comprehensive range of specialised gold products and services to all market segments in the UAE, providing retail and business customers with a one-stop shop approach to investing in gold.

Emirates NBD organised an exclusive "Gold Seminar," to mark the inauguration of the Gold Business, at which top industry officials addressed trade and industry delegates on the topic of gold as investment.

The bank also unveiled the Emirates NBD Gold Certificate (GC), the initial product offering from its Gold Business portfolio, which allows customers to invest in the gold market through any of the 110 Emirates NBD branches nationwide.

The innovative product, which is the first of its kind to be launched in the GCC, offers clients a "Gold Certificate" issued in lieu of physical gold at international market rates prevailing at the time of purchase. The gold will be spot purchased on behalf of clients as gold bullion in denominations of 0.5kg and its multiples. It will then be stored by the bank through its appointed security firm, The Transguard Group, the Middle East’s leading security services provider.

Emirates NBD customers can redeem the value of their gold investment at any time, either before or at the end of the maturity period, which can be up to a maximum of 60 months. Investors have the option to redeem the value of their investment in the form of credit to their account or gold bullion at prevailing market rates at the time of redemption.

Jamal Bin Ghalaita, Group Deputy CEO, Emirates NBD said: "The demand for gold has risen enormously both on a regional and global level as a result of the recent period of economic uncertainty. Recent dramatic price increases prove that investor appetite continues to remain high, particularly in this region where gold is considered as a preferred store of value."

"Many residents in the UAE currently prefer to save their accumulated earnings in the form of gold, as it is traditionally considered  a relatively safe investment option against fluctuations in global currencies," continued Bin Ghalaita. "The multicultural population in this region also have a cultural tendency to purchase gold as a popular gift choice to mark important festive and family occasions."

Asif Lakhany, Head of International and New Ventures, said: "The launch of Emirates NBD’s Gold Business is in line with our commitment to customers to continuously strive to develop relevant products and services for them. Over 25 per cent of the annual global gold production is transacted through the UAE markets, and we have developed the Gold Business to serve the needs of our existing and prospective customers. Over time we will look to extend this expertise across other precious metals and commodities."

"Emirates NBD recognises the appeal of gold as an investment," said Syed Saqib, Head of Gold Business, Emirates NBD. "The launch of ’Gold Certificate’ from Emirates NBD provides customers with the potential benefits of gold as a hedge, while removing the expense and security worries of associated physical storage."

Emirates NBD senior officials also announced the launch of gold services for industry traders and suppliers of gold. This includes the provision of physical gold as well as the working capital required by companies and suppliers in the gold and jewellery trade.
 
"This region has long-benefited from thriving trade in gold and jewellery and we understand the needs of traders, retailers and wholesalers," said Saqib. "That is why we have a range of financial services and solutions, tailor-made to address the needs of those in the gold business."

Trade Of IT Products Between Taiwan And UAE Soars

With the region’s IT market hungry for new innovation and design, Taiwan Trade Centre Dubai has announced an enormous 67% increase in year-on-year trade during the first half of 2010 between Taiwanese companies and those in the UAE. New contracts and greater economic cooperation will continue to see that number rise, according to the group, with exports and re-exports expected to reach nearly AED 550 million for IT hardware alone during 2011.

Direct trade between the two countries reached almost AED 3.6 billion last year, of which machinery and electronics equipment accounted for almost one third of the total sum. In free trade zones, an additional AED1 billion of IT goods were traded between the two countries in 2009, far surpassing any other industrial or agricultural sector.

“Taiwanese products continue to play a major role in the UAE technology market with more and more local companies having the opportunity to establish links with these manufacturers of the future,” comments Tom Tung-Chung Tseng, Director at Taiwan Trade Centre Dubai. “Such partnerships are supported by the events like this month’s GITEX 2010 exhibition, in which UAE companies will be able to view cutting-edge ICT products while forging business links with leading technology manufacturers.”

Being one of more than 50 overseas offices established by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Taiwan Trade Centre works to help Taiwanese manufacturers consolidate their position in emerging markets by arranging for foreign delegations to attend trade shows and fulfil regulatory requirements.

Michael Y.W. Hsiao, Manager at TAITRA, believes that the competitive nature of the UAE economy will continue to attract companies to the region—especially within the ICT industry. “We are actually expecting a greater number of products being sent to the UAE during the second half of 2010 following events like the upcoming GITEX exhibition, where Taiwanese exports to UAE normally double compared to other months of the year,” says Hsiao.

It is worth to mention that the Taiwan government has made the development of branding the key task to raise the competitiveness of Taiwan’s economy and to promote Taiwan’s industries. The government has set two goals for the Branding Taiwan program, the first is integrating resources to assist the establishment of brands and create a favourable environment for development while the second is to aid Taiwan enterprises in brand development and increase the value of Taiwan’s international brands.

Sony Gulf Launches Complete Range Of 3D Compatible Products In Middle East

Sony Gulf FZE, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, today marked the dawn of a new era in the Middle East with the launch of its complete range of 3D-enabled products, offering consumers an immersive experience in 3D movies, music, sport and PlayStation® games.

Sony’s 3D product range includes the BRAVIA LX900 and BRAVIA HX800, the new Full HD 3D TVs that build on the BRAVIA reputation for legendary picture quality, and the new 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player BDP-S470, as well as the 3D compatible Home Theatre Systems and channel sound bars including BDV-IZ1000, BDV-E970, HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 that have been specially designed to align with the 3D BRAVIA LED HDTVs.

To complement this extensive 3D portfolio, Sony Gulf will also be rolling out a free firmware update for PlayStation 3 consoles, making the hardware 3D compatible to enable 3D gaming.

In addition, the company already offers the Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 digital cameras that can take stunning 3D panoramic shots.

With the new range, Sony now offers consumers the most diverse line of 3D compatible home entertainment products including BRAVIA LED HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and home theatre systems, the PlayStation 3 and Alpha digital still cameras with interchangeable lenses.

Osamu Miura, Managing Director, Sony Gulf, said: “3D technology in home entertainment is an immersive phenomenon. Unlike the 3D entertainment experiences of the past, which were characterised by objects coming towards the viewer, the emphasis has now shifted to adding an element of depth. Sony’s 3D world is about subtlety and detail, to totally engage the viewer.

With its expertise in 3D from lens to the living room, Sony has assumed a leadership role in the research and development of the technology to drive its growth at every level – from supporting creators of content by providing them with custom-made professional equipment to influencing cable network operators into adopting systems that facilitate the relay of 3D content.

“Due to our involvement in the development of original content and our efforts over the years to create ‘Good 3D’ content captured on Sony’s professional equipment, we believe this will translate into a superior and seamless visual experience on Sony’s entire range of 3D compatible products,” added Mr. Miura.

A Monolithic design theme has been extended by Sony across its entire suite of home entertainment products launched in 2010. Apart from the new BRAVIA TVs, Sony’s Blu-ray Disc™ players and Home Cinema systems are all designed to create one seamless home entertainment experience, even in terms of design.

Sony’s entire array of 3D products is currently available at all Jumbo Electronics showrooms in the UAE and other major retail electronics outlets across the region.