AMB Iran 2018, the show to go on
| Editor: Briggette Jaya
Iran - The third edition of AMB Iran, leading industry fair for metalworking in Tehran, is still on course, its organisers Messe Stuttgart and the Association of German Machine Tool Manufacturers (VDW) say.
Despite USA's termination of the Atomic Agreement and sanction threats, AMB Iran is still on course. Some 135 exhibitors from 13 countries, including 32 German companies, will be participating at the fairgrounds at the Shahr-e-Aftab Complex in Tehran from 26-29 June 2018.
President of Messe Stuttgart Ulrich Kromer has confimed that the Deputy Minister of Iran's Industry Ministry, Mohsen Salehinia, will be opening the metalworking fair and that the European Commission will also be represented. Kromer noted: “We remain committed to AMB Iran in spite of the unclear situation at present. Over the last three years, we have developed strong partnerships with industry and politicians.” Kromer added that the organisers have an obligation towards AMB Iran's exhibitor, visitors and the Iranian industry for the show to go on as planned.“
Among the German companies exhibiting are Gühring, AMF, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen, Werkö, Georg Maschinentechnik and botek, while Italy-based Cosberg and Ficep will be at the show as well as Alfleth Engineering from Switzerland. All have been present since the show's inception in 2016.
VDW Executive Director Dr Wilfried Schäfer said: "As long as the European Union does not reimpose its sanctions, business with Iran is legally possible.” Schäfer noted that AMB Iran remains a welcome platform for German and international suppliers to demonstrate their competencies.
The presence of EU representatives at the exhibition is said to be an indication of the EU's efforts regarding economic and trade relations with Iran. Christo Stefanov Polendakov, Bulgarian Ambassador to Iran, will take part in the opening ceremony as the spokesman of the EU member states during Bulgaria's EU Council Presidency joined by the European Commission representative Dr. Eric Mamer, Director of the Directorate-General GROW, which is responsible within the Commission for the internal market, industry, entrepreneurship and SMEs.
An EU-Iran Forum will also be held on the first day. Speakers include an adviser to Federica Mogherini, High Representative of EU's Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and an expert on financial relations between the EU and Iran. The Forum will also cover the request by Iranian machine manufacturers for the exchange of knowledge and the transfer of know-how. Talks will also be conducted covering topics on metal working, automation, precision technology, welding, cutting and measurement and test technology
The show programme also has a matchmaking initiative, known as, "Business Beyond Borders", where both exhibitors and visitors can register online pre-show and create an interest profile. Suitable business partners will be brought together based on these requests.
