High demand for stone and stone technology driven by regional building boom

The regional boom in public and private construction is fuelling increasing demand for the full range of stone products and stone technology throughout Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the region. Demand is growing for marble, granite, stone derivatives, travertine as well as cutting, handling and finishing machinery.

Stone Middle East 2008 is where regional stone industry professionals and trade buyers converge

Stone Middle East 2008 is held at the prestigious Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center (BIEL). It matches needs to solutions. The show attracts trade buyers, architects, contractors, stone products manufacturers and processors, and specifiers from throughout Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

Lebanon alone accounts for 42% of the regional import and re-export market

Lebanon's 350 stone plants boast a labor force of over 5000 craftsmen and a daily production of 12,000 sqm, with a capacity that can accommodate over 50,000 sqm, to support regional re-export requirements. Lebanon alone accounts for 42% of local and re-export volume of the Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Regional stone plants require expansion and rehabilitation

Middle Eastern and Lebanese stone plants seriously need to expand their capacity and upgrade their facilities. The stone industry in Syria and Jordan also needs to upgrade equipment and capacities to better meet local demand. Lebanon is a key re-export gateway for stone and stone products to the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States are in the midst of a second building boom that requires the full range of stone products and technologies.

Granite, marble, travertine, onyx, and processing technologies in special demand

Demand is particularly high for granite, marble, travertine and onyx blocks and slabs, as well as finished products. The full range of stone quarrying, processing, transport machinery and equipment are needed.

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