Australian exports of automotive components and parts to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states reached $26.3 million in 2001, according to the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA). Sector exports to Saudi Arabia led the way, up from $9.74 million in 2000 to $12.8 million in 2001, reported a press release.
The second biggest regional market was the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with exports to the country doubling from $3.7 million to $ 7.8 million in 2001. Sales of auto parts to the remaining GCC states totaled $5.99 million.
Australian vehicle shipments to the GCC also rose substantially during 2001. Saudi Arabia was the largest regional market, up 56 percent from $460 million in 2000, to $ 718 million in 2001. Exports to the UAE were up from $90 million in 2000 to $ 111.8 million in 2001 and in Kuwait from $72 million to $94.8 million during the same period. Vehicle shipments also rose in Oman from $25 million to $36.5 million, in Qatar, from $ 17.6 million to $ 21.7 million and in Bahrain from $12.6 million to $14.6 million during the same period.
As a result of these positive results, nine Australian companies have so far confirmed their participation, under the AAAA umbrella, in April’s Automotive Aftermarket Middle East (AAME) 2002, Dubai’s annual international trade show for automobile parts, accessories, tires, batteries and garage equipment. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
