Dubai, Apr 15 (IANS/WAM): More than 150 exhibitors from across the world have put their wooden products on display here to woo buyers in the region.

Suppliers of furniture, wooden building materials and other such products from more than 40 countries, who have come to participate in the show, expect the event will prove to be a major boost for their business expansion following the economic slowdown.

"The Dubai WoodShow is an important event for us... it is an appointment any wood company in the region cannot afford to miss," said Borghini from Ligno.

The Dubai WoodShow 2010 was inaugurated by UAE Minister of Environment Rashed Bin Fahad Tuesday at the Dubai Airport Expo.

According to the organisers, due to healthy state of the wood sector in the region sustained by strong growth during the economic crisis and ensuing recovery, the exhibition is slated to register a substantial increase in the volume of transactions.

"We are here to create synergies, to build business networks, and to facilitate knowledge transfer. This is why in 2010, we have introduced the Dubai WoodShow Forum, the first regional conference to echo and voice the wood industry leaders' thoughts," said Dawood Al Shezawi, Managing Director, Strategic Marketing and Exhibitions, which has organised the WoodShow.

The event, which is considered as a major platform for sellers and buyers from the entire wood spectrum, including manufacturers, logistics service providers, traders and investors, is witnessing a large number of first time exhibitors this year.

Mohammed Akbar from United Emirates Metals and Abrasives said the event provides his company with the "opportunity to introduce its brand to the region and connect with their main target market across the Gulf region".