Dubai: GCC spending on horticultural machinery and outdoor living equipment is set to grow at 11 per cent through 2011, according to a report, which says the growth will largely be driven by construction projects which are already under way.
"Total exports of non-fertiliser items including plants, swimming pools and horticultural appliances were worth around Dh48 million in 2009," the report says, quoting the latest figures available.
The major re-export markets were Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, Germany and Sudan among others.
The UAE is growing in stature as the leading re-export hub in the region for garden and landscaping products, according to industry experts.
Regional hub
"Dubai has been the trade hub for the region for a long time and with its modern trans-shipment and logistics facilities it has emerged as the location of choice for manufacturers and suppliers to target the markets of the region," said Ahmad Pauwels, chief executive officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH, organiser of Garden+Landscaping Middle East.
"While most of the market for garden and landscaping products is generally import-driven, there is a large export and re-export segment, especially for plants, swimming pools, outdoor furniture, horticultural appliances and fertilisers," Pauwels stated.
"In fact the averages spend in the GCC on garden and landscaping projects was expected to grow at 11 per cent annually from 2008 to 2011."