Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have collectively imported a total of 2.8mn cubic metres of the product, worth $576.6mn, in 2007.

Given the high demand for building materials, particularly wood products, a significant turnout of Qatari trade and industry visitors is expected at the exhibition scheduled from April 21 to 23.

In addition to softwood lumber, Qatar and the other three Gulf states are also major importers of hardwood plywood, with shipments from the Far East region reaching a total of $199.1mn in 2007.
During the same period, the top four importers have purchased $193.3mn worth of medium-density fibreboard, builder’s joinery products with a total value of $145.4mn, and 263,491 cubic metres of hardwood lumber, which amounted to $107.8mn.

“We have seen the importance of a steady supply of high quality wood products in the construction of property developments in Qatar, and it is our aim to give Qatar-based customers access to high quality products from globally renowned suppliers,” event organiser Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions managing director Dawood al-Shezawi said.
This year’s show has attracted exhibitors from Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Malaysia, Portugal, UK, and US.