A 73-strong French contingent will be participating in the Big 5 Show and Big 5 PMV trade shows in Dubai, at the French Pavilion, displaying their sophisticated technology and expertise in the manufacturing sector.

Spearheading the group is Ubifrance, the French Agency for international business development and the key driver in the government’s efforts to support export activities.
“The French companies – from the public works and construction sectors – will display their latest technologies and innovations in technology to reinforce its professional contacts and provide new business opportunities between France and the UAE, in particular and the Middle East region in general,” says a spokesman for the Ubifrance Dubai Press Office.
A total of 54 companies will showcase their products and know-how at the French pavilion at the Big 5 show, while 18 exhibitors will display their innovative machines and equipment at the Big 5 PMV.
“Compared to previous years, this year’s edition has witnessed a strong increase in demand and participation of the French companies, the number rising to 73 exhibitors up from 56 firms last year,” says the spokesman.
He continues: “Given their significant technical know-how, French companies are highly active in contributing to the aesthetic architecture and functional efficiency within Dubai’s real estate sector, which has spawned numerous large-scale projects. The “Made in France” label is widely appreciated and French industrialists are establishing partnerships in all sectors of public works and construction.”
At the Big 5 show, several companies will be showcasing their expertise under three business groups, namely:
• General Confederation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (CGPME), which will include about a dozen exhibitors. The CGPME is an interprofessional, private, independent organisation for employers and is a recognised French social partner. It ensures the representation and support of French small and medium-sized enterprises in industry, commerce and the service industries at a national level, working alongside public authorities and other social partners, as well as at European and international levels. The key objective of CGPME is to cover all policy areas that have a direct or indirect impact on SMEs, which total 1.7 million registered in France representing approximately 88 per cent of employment in the private sector, 50 per cent of exports and 62 per cent of investments;
• The Outilex pool, which will have eight participants. Outilex offers the best gateway to a selection of manufacturing companies specialised in hand tools, abrasives, hardware and equipment such as conveyors and locks for construction and industries distributors around the globe. It has 27 member companies, representing 40 manufacturing facilities based in France. Some 2,000 international distributors have already chosen Outilex and its manufacturers to improve their business; and
• The Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the Franche-Comté region, which will feature five companies.
The products on display at both trade fairs will be highly diverse including scaffolding, enclosures, special tiles, paving, sanitary appliances, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), tooling, decoration, protective equipment, handling equipment and transport equipment, among other products.
At the French pavilion at the Big 5 show will be some of the European leaders in construction of turnkey plants. These include Acelia, ACS Production, Adler, Airwell France, Ariadis, Anadon Armatures, Arma Plus, Association Pierre de Bourgogne, Atlantic/Thermor Pacific, Benex International, Bostik, Carrieres et Marbreries de Bourgogne, Centaure, CGPME du Rhone, Chabanne, CRCI Franche Comte, Croma, Dextra, Diager, Dimeco, Directiv Systeme, Edma, Ferrari/Profil Tension Systems, Geser, Groupe Muller, Guillet, Haemmerlin, Horizal, Hydro Calade, Icopal Siplast, Intequedis, Labaronne Citaf, Lahera, Les Pierres Bourguignonnes, Manguin Apicc, Mantion, Marbres et Dalles de Bourgogne, Nicoll, Novacel, PMS Industrie, Outilex, Riss, Sea, Senideco, Simonin, Sotuma, Tecofi, Terreal, Thirard, Tomecanic Benetiere, Tramvestor France, Tubesca, Ugitech and Yelmini-Artaud.
Catering to the growing interest in French plant, machinery and construction vehicle companies, the Big 5 PMV will feature a dedicated French pavilion with many high-end companies from across the country. They include AGS, Centaure, Couvrot, Fayat Group, Haemmerlin, Krings International France, Lancier, Lancy, Lumiair, Metallerie Du Breton, Retotub, RKF, Sateco, Secatol, SK Group, SMIE, Sperian and Ultralu.