Philippines eyes niche in Middle East construction market

Filipino manufacturers and contractors are urged to explore niche in the $1 trillion Gulf construction market, according to the Department of Trade and Industry through its export promotion arm, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM).

The Philippines will participate for the first time in The Big 5 in Dubai, the most comprehensive annual event for contractors, specifiers, architects, engineers and buyers from the Gulf countries. It featured 2,000 companies from 50 countries, and attracted over 34,000 key buyers and decision-makers last year.

“Now that the construction materials sector is ready to be promoted independently, The Big 5 is an opportunity for our local companies to explore niche in the Middle East market,” said Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary and CITEM Executive Director, Fe Agoncillo-Reyes.

After The Big 5 in Dubai, the delegation will proceed to Bahrain for pre-arranged meetings with general contractors, property developers and distributors for exploratory talks and arrangements for possible project/contract. “A business matching meet is our value-added assistance to our exporters, which is proven to be a very effective vehicle to emphasize our competitive advantage,” added Reyes.

According to the new figures from MEED projects, a leading business opportunity tracker in the Middle East, the UAE remains the Gulf’s largest construction market. There were almost $300 billion worth of active projects in the federation, most in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Projects in Saudi Arabia has doubled to more than $200 billion in the last 12 months, while Kuwait’s project market, has grown to $211 billion. The Gulf construction boom is seen to last for at least five more years. The Big 5 in Dubai is expected to bring opportunities to Philippine manufacturers and suppliers of building and construction systems, components, materials, fittings, and services.

The UAE is also seen to spend over US$7 billion to develop its water resources, through building desalination plants throughout the Emirates, making it an opportunity for water technology materials, treatment, systems, and technology manufacturers.

There are also business prospects for air conditioning services and systems, cleaning and maintenance, environmental, and refrigeration systems, as well as opportunity for custom built glass and metal fixtures and fittings. Interested companies may contact the Industrial Goods and Services Division of CITEM at 8311268, 8312201 locals 257 and 227, or email industrial@citem.com.ph.