German expertise and high-quality products from various sectors such as mechanical engineering, water technology and the building industry will be on display at Germany’s official pavilion at the Big 5 Show 2004.

As in previous years, the German pavilion – supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour – will be the largest national pavilion, and this year sees an even larger number of German companies at the show, up from about 130 to over 160 exhibitors within the pavilion only.
“The pavilion will offer visitors a platform for informing themselves on the wide range of products and technologies offered by German companies,” says Wolfgang Burchard, representative of VDMA-German Engineering Federation.
“By exchanging their experiences and ideas with the exhibitors, they can consult on the use of the right product for the right purpose and analyse and arrange all kinds of possible future co-operation,” he adds..
“German products both in the area of investment and durable consumer goods continue to play a key role at the exhibition and in the region,” says Burchard. “The strong presence of German companies is also reflected in the figures: Trade relations between the UAE and the Federal Republic of Germany have grown continuously and in 2003 alone, Germany’s overall exports have increased by six per cent to reach 3.231 billion Euro ($4.012 billion).
Among this general export stream from Germany to the UAE, nearly 20 per cent or $783.5 million is in the form of capital goods related to mechanical engineering. With a market share of about 16 per cent German companies rank number one in terms of international machinery exports to the UAE.
These impressive figures are even higher taking the plant construction manufacturers into account: In 2003, the incoming orders from the Middle East increased by more than 50 per cent to reach $2.6 billion.
"The UAE was one of our important   export destinations with a sharp increase of orders - of up to 150 per cent worth $483 million," says Burchard.
“But Germany does not only have a leading position in the area of investment goods. Its durable consumer goods also enjoy an internationally high reputation due to its outstanding technology and design,” he says.
VDMA will be present at hall 1, 6 and 7, Stand 7B 335.
The VDMA, a non-profit association, is the largest European industry branch association, representing mostly small and medium-sized enterprises in Germany. Its 400 employees serve 3,000 member companies active in all fields of the engineering sector.
The VDMA reflects the full production process and various customer-supplier relationships, enabling co-operation across the board.