It was four days devoted to generating contacts and doing business at Latin America’s largest trade fair for the electric, electronic and lighting industry. Over the years BIEL Light + Building Buenos Aires has become the barometer to gauge the current situation and the long-term trends of an industry recognized worldwide for its quality and cutting-edge products.
The 15th Biennial International Trade Fair of the Electric, Electronic and Lighting Industry opened its doors from September 13th to 16th at La Rural Trade Center. A total of 266 exhibitors from Argentina; Germany; Australia; Belgium; Brazil; China; South Korea; United States; Finland; France; Hong Kong and Italy (15% more than in 2015) offered their products and services to 28.879 professional visitors and entrepreneurs (2015: 27.504).
The public and private sector, together at the inauguration
"We are highly pleased since the fair has shown a 15% growth from its last edition, "Mr. Gorbarán said. "It's still not on par with BIEL Light + Building from some years ago, but we are confident that we can continue on this path of consolidation."
The opening was also attended by Ms. Iris Jeglitza-Moshage, Senior Vice President of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition. "BIEL Light + Building Buenos Aires was the first light + building event to be held outside of Frankfurt," Ms. Jeglitza-Moshage said. "Since 2003 it has become a successful show and part of our global family, and today it's a leading event for experts and professionals in Latin America."
"This exhibition is our window to the world," said Mr. Jorge Luis Cavanna, President of the Argentine Chamber of Electronic, Electromechanical and Lighting Companies (CADIEEL). "It allows us to show everything we are doing. Our goal is to create more jobs, lower the consumption of electricity and increase the use of renewable energy sources." According to a recent survey conducted by the Chamber among its associates, "70% of them stated that they plan to invest this year, despite having gone through some difficult economic times," Mr. Cavanna said.
The Undersecretary of Thermal Energy, Transportation and Electrical Distribution of Argentina, Mr. Osvaldo Rolando, said: "The electrical sector is on track. It is important that we engage in the development of young professionals, and we must provide internships and scholarships for their training. We are working hard to open more markets for Argentina's exports."
The closing words were delivered by the Minister of Production of the Province of Buenos Aires, Mr. Javier Tizado, who said: "We know that we've been through very hard times during the past months, but we are seeing the results of all our efforts. This is a strategic industry for the government; the sector employs 40,000 workers in 3,200 SMEs, and exports to countries where competitiveness is very high."
Since 2003 the event is part of the Light + Building brand, a network of 13 trade fairs organized by Messe Frankfurt in different cities around the world. Ms. Iris Jeglitza-Moshage, Senior Vice President of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition, made a presentation for the local press of the next Light + Building show, which will take place from March 18th to 23th, 2018 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Professional training and debate
Numerous academic activities were held in parallel to the trade fair, with the aim of disseminating the latest advances in the industry and research centers.
On the one hand, this year the traditional International Technical Congress for the Electric, Electronic and Lighting Industry had three main axes: Electric Power; Lighting and Efficiency; and Electrical Safety. There were several panels with the participation of prestigious speakers and a large audience.
On the other hand, exhibitors presented their new products and services through more than 40 conferences.
This year alternative energies had a place of prominence, with several talks focusing on them. In addition, news of the recent approval of the Distributed Generation legislation by the Deputy Chamber of the Argentine Congress (still in need of approval by the Senate) generated good expectations among exhibitors, especially those who manufacture or distribute equipment for renewable energy generation.
International Matchmaking Program
Aiming to foster and open up new business opportunities for Argentine manufacturers, the 6th International Matchmaking Program of the Electric, Electronic and Lighting Industry was held during BIEL Light + Building Buenos Aires.
On this occasion ten buyers from Colombia, Peru, Chile, Costa Rica, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Panama had 388 meetings with 45 Argentine firms seeking to place their products abroad.
The activity was jointly organized by Messe Frankfurt Argentina, CADIEEL and the Argentine Agency for Investment and International Trade.
A Bridge to the Future
Tomorrow's professionals also had their place at BIEL Light + Building Buenos Aires. More than 35 technical and secondary schools participated in "A Bridge to the Future", an initiative dedicated to spreading awareness of the activity among young students and providing them with a "meeting point" with the industry.
Mr. Oscar Calvelo, CADIEEL's Coordinator of Low Voltage Electronics and the Low Voltage Commission, offered recommendations, shared experiences and encouraged students to learn more about an industry in which technical professionals and engineers are in high demand.
The next edition of BIEL Light + Building Buenos Aires will be held from September 11th to 14th, 2019 at La Rural Trade Center in Buenos Aires
Further information: www.biel.com.ar
Twitter: @BIELBuenosAires
Facebook.com/BIEL.LightBuilding.BuenosAires
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
Messe Frankfurt is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With more than 2,300 employees at some 30 locations, the company generates annual sales of around €647 million. Thanks to its far-reaching ties with the relevant sectors and to its international sales network, the Group looks after the business interests of its customers effectively. A comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services. With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent). For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com | www.congressfrankfurt.de | www.festhalle.de
Background information on Messe Frankfurt Argentina
Messe Frankfurt Argentina is the affiliate of the worldwide trade fair organization leader. The purpose of the fairs is to promote actual business meetings to boost activity in regional markets, in the domestic market and in turn prompt the development of the technological pole in each area. The current portfolio of shows of Messe Frankfurt Argentina includes the following exhibitions: Automechanika Buenos Aires, BIEL Light + Building, Confemaq, Emitex, ExpoCehap, ExpoFerretera, ExpoMant, Intersec Buenos Aires, Simatex, Tecno Fidta. In addition to numerous congresses and special events for third party, such as Argentina Oil & Gas Expo, Arminera and Feria COAS de las Naciones, among others. For more information, please visit our website at:
www.argentina.messefrankfurt.com
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