SOME 35 French companies will be at The Big 5 this year, in a bid to confirm their interest in the Middle East market which offers ample business opportunities, says UbiFrance – the French Agency for International Business Development – which is organising the country’s national pavilion at this premier event.

According to Jean-Francoise Leborgne, a spokesman for UbiFrance, the Middle East is clearly a priority market for the French building trade sector, which will be presenting its innovative and extensive product offering, ranging from civil engineering equipment to hand tools, safety equipment and decorative products.

“As the 2009 crisis grows more distant, over $600 billion are slated for investment in large-scale projects over the next three years. France is well aware of this and has reinforced its activity throughout the area,” Leborgne says. “The country will be providing an eclectic offer, to meet the requirements of the entire building and public works sector, such as concrete presses, carpentry, swimming pools, storage systems, wastewater treatment systems and more.”

Many French companies, who are leaders in their respective sectors, will be attending The Big 5 as part of the French pavilion. These include PMS Industrie, which provides original fastening and hoisting solutions; Adler Technologies, which manufactures concreting trains and a range of concrete production equipment and the Atlantic Group, which makes an extensive range of water heaters featuring solar and thermodynamic models.

“This year, The Big 5 will be putting the spotlight on sustainable development and renewable energy. Here too, France will be providing efficient solutions, with companies showcasing innovative products to improve a building’s carbon footprint. These include Terreal, which offers thermal and photovoltaic energy production, and Serge Ferrari, a leader in the composite textiles industry, to name but a few,” he says.

Also represented at the pavilion will be the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Franche-Comte and Outilex, the National Tooling Industry Association.

All of the French companies will be exhibiting in Hall One at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.