The first edition of Gabon Wood Show from June 20 to 22, 2018 in Libreville, Gabon concluded with a happy note. More than 65 companies of wood and wood working sector from India, France, Italy, Germany, China, Malaysia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Belgium, Hongkong and Gabon participated in the show. The exhibition was supported by Republic of Gabon and GSEZ. The exhibiting companies showcased their range of products, new technologies, and innovative resources. They met with number of visitors related to wood, plywood, furniture, woodworking and forestry professionals and create new contacts for increasing the range and quality of their business.
The opening ceremony of Gabon Wood Show was started from Furniture Clusters located in NKOK, which was inaugurated by H.E Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon in auspicious presence of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers from Republic of Gabon; Mr. Gagan Gupta, Country Head, Olam International, manufacturers of face veneer, furniture, saw mill owners and other respected guest and dignitaries.
H.E Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon
“Make Gabon a world leader in certified tropical timber, driven by an innovative industry, fully valuing the forest under sustainable management, carbon sinks and biodiversity sanctuary “Wood is one of the 21 century building materials par excellence inexpensive, sustainable, renewable and energy efficient. These innovations in wood offer the opportunity to revolutionize the market of building materials and housing in Gabon, in terms of cost and efficiency, offering new opportunities
to the local wood industry (doors, windows , cladding). The same potential can be found in the regional market, where demographic change, increasing urbanization and the development of the middle class will create considerable habitat needs and increased market opportunities for processed timber.”
After the inaugural ceremony, all dignitaries visited Furniture Cluster, where the furniture made at Gabon was displayed. They appreciated the innovation in furniture design and wish for their success.
Then, the President of Gabon inaugurated ‘Gabon Wood Show’ organized at Jardin Botanique, Libreville, where more than 65 companies of Gabon and overseas showcased their products and technology. He also saw the products and met to visitors and appreciated their efforts.
The number of face veneers producers such as Accurate Industries, Afeefa Overseas, Africa View, Art Bois, Evergreen Veneer, Gabon Eco Wood, Gabon Veneer, Greenply Gabon, Otim Veneer, Solid Wood, Sun Veneer, Wood International etc showcased its products. The Veneer and Plywood Machineries Suppliers from India such as Darshan Mechnical, Guru Amar Industry Limited, Kalyan Industries, L.M. Engineering and Thermal Associate Pvt. Ltd. were also exhibited in the show.
The Ply Reporter also exhibited in the show and the team was presented in Gabon for a week to cover the event and development happening in wood sector for our readers.
Talking to The Ply Reporter about the show, Mr. Jasveer Singh, CEO, GSEZ said, “The objective is to make people aware and know that Gabon already is a force now. Earlier, six year before we were not in existence anywhere in veneer production with having veneer units in the country. Today we are number one in veneer production. Internationally also we are being recognized as third largest producers of veneers and we want to be number one. We want that existing players’ veneer production also increase and people see Africa with new prospects. Those people are very observant that production at Africa especially at Gabon is very much challenging should see the new scenario and how much we have simplified it. The problems have been overcome with the help of Government and industries are working on very good environment. Also we are making much effort to have the international market open for them. So, this was the objective to start Gabon Wood Show. Many of the players have got international buyers such as from Philippines, Taiwan, Egypt, and Europe also. The show facilitates our existing players to have help in marketing and promotion of their products at international market. This was our objective which has been fulfilled with the success of this show.”