The Victorian Government has signalled its intentions to ramp up trade engagement with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), embarking on Australia’s largest ever trade mission to the region, which generates $2.4 billion of value to the Victorian economy annually.

Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Business Louise Asher will lead Victoria’s first multi-sectoral trade mission of more than 100 organisations from Victoria’s food and beverage, infrastructure, water and agribusiness sectors to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar starting next week. A small delegation of companies will also be part of an additional side mission into Saudi Arabia.

“This is Victoria’s first Super Trade Mission to the Middle East, demonstrating the Victorian Government’s commitment to expanding trade opportunities in this key market,” Ms Asher said.

Ms Asher said an increasing appetite for Victoria’s clean, safe and reliable food and beverage products is driving demand in the region, as is our world-class expertise in infrastructure, water management and professional services.

“I look forward to my discussions with respective government agencies in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai on the breadth of Victoria’s export capability.

“This trade mission will provide Victorian companies with prime opportunities to connect with key buyers, importers and distributers in the Middle East, in order to expand existing relationships and establish new markets for Victoria’s high quality goods and services,” Ms Asher said.

Key events during the mission include one of the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade fairs Gulfood, in Dubai, where 80 Victorian companies will showcase their products and expertise to more than 65,000 buyers from around the world. Dubai is a prime gateway to MENA’s increasing demand for clean, safe, high quality and specialised foods - in 2010/11 the region imported $830 million worth of Victorian food and beverage.

A series of Dairy Industry Forums will take place in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia presented in conjunction with Dairy Australia and industry leaders such as Murray Goulburn, Warrnambool Cheese and Butter and Bega Cheese. These forums underscore the Victorian Government’s commitment to increase exports of high-value and high-margin dairy goods, such as infant formula, sports nutritional drinks and adult supplements, as part of the Dairy Nutriceuticals to Asia Program, announced by the Premier of Victoria Ted Baillieu last year.

The excellent quality and safety of Victorian food and beverage will also be on show to key buyers, importers and distributors at a series of ‘Put Victoria on Your Table’ networking events in Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah and Riyadh. These events will feature Victorian produce, and build on Victoria’s global reputation as a world-class supplier of food and beverage.

“Victorian companies are also renowned for expertise in infrastructure development – be it port development, rail infrastructure, or most notably, assisting in the construction of the world’s tallest building in Dubai in 2009.

“The professionalism and skill of our companies are world-class and I am proud to be showcasing this capability as part of this trade mission,” Minister Asher said.

Victorian companies are developing innovative solutions to water management issues, addressing critical development issues related to long-term sustainability and liveability.

“These capabilities are already in demand in various drought-affected markets from California to China and the developing African nations. As part of this mission, we will be providing organisations in the Middle East the opportunity to come face-to-face with our recognised expertise across the diverse range of water management issues, and I have no doubt they will be interested in what we have to offer,” Minister Asher said.

Minister Asher will lead the MENA Super Trade Mission to Doha from 15 February, and then to Dubai and Abu Dhabi before joining Victoria’s Premier Ted Baillieu on the India Super Trade Mission in Delhi on 21 February.

Costa Coffee, announces the UAE launch of its newest coffee offering - Costa Light. A combination of fresh skimmed milk and the brand’s signature Mocha Italia blend, the Costa Light offers coffee lovers a highly anticipated smooth and mellow alternative to traditional coffee based drinks.

The Costa Light takes a new approach to coffee making by frothing Costa coffee together with fresh skimmed milk in the same jug. The result is a product that is both lighter in flavour and in caffeine than Costa Lattes and Cappuccinos.

Eric Hughes, General Manager, Costa Coffee UAE, explains: “Costa Light still contains the same premium Mocha Italia blend coffee our clients have come to expect from our products, but with the added benefits of a mellower flavour and deceptively rich texture, despite being made with skimmed milk. Our new hand-crafted technique is innovative and results in a unique product for our customers. We have learned that even dedicated coffee drinkers often enjoy a lighter alternative, and for our less ‘experienced’ coffee drinkers, the flavour is subtle and smooth.”

Costa Light is one of a number of new and exciting products due to launch this year by Costa - and as is the case with all Costa drinks - offers customers the opportunity to customize it to their own preference with a variety of milks, and regular and sugar free flavoured syrups.

“The modern consumer is more selective than ever before, and at Costa, we have prepared to go the extra mile to exceed expectations. Costa Light is one of the many ways Costa caters to the ever changing needs of its customers,” explained Mr. Hughes.

Costa Light was first launched across the UK in July 2011, with overwhelming success. The UAE is the first international market to launch the drink.

Costa Light is now available at all 84 Costa outlets across the UAE.

- Portable, Palm-sized, 45 Lumens, High Definition, 20,000 hours life-

New Delhi, 6th February, 2012: Portronics, one of the emerging pioneers in innovative, portable and digital devices is thrilled to announce the launch of POR 315 Pico projector, one of the India’s brightest battery-powered Pico projectors. The Palm-sized POR 315 Pico projector enables one to live the High definition lifestyle with additional HDMI input, resolution supporting 1024X600.

The Light weighted POR 315 is both a true pocket projector and a powerful mobile computing platform. It has SD card slot which allows for memory expansion featuring in-built lithium ion battery of 3000 mAh, providing back up of two hours on a single charge. The portable projector is convenient to use as it provides direct projection from the USB drive.

Additional features include composite video input, VGA input, and 1 watt onboard speaker. The POR 315 Pico projector comes with a dazzling 45 lumen optical engine powered by LCOS  Combined with vibrant colors the POR 315 features long-life 20,000 hour LEDs and can deliver a brilliant colourful image up to 80”. Full assortment of I/O ports, including USB, VGA, HDMI and video, allows for easy connection to most analog or digital devices.

Salient features
• Truly portable – Palm-sized, lightweight, and rechargeable
• SD card slot allows for memory expansion
• 45 Lumens - Project large widescreen images of up to 80” diagonal
• LED light source lasts over 20,000 hours while producing excellent colour
• Full assortment of I/O ports, including USB, VGA, HDMI and video, allows for easy connection to most analog or digital devices

Portronics POR 315 Pico projector supports the following business formats

Pricing and Availability: 
Priced at Rs. 23,000/-, the Portronics POR 315 Pico projector is available across the country.
The projector has no maintenance cost

ArabPlast expands to Asia through CII, the biggest industry association in India
 
New Delhi, India, Dubai, UAE, 6th February, 2012: Arab plastics and petrochemical sector is to get a fillip in India with the launch of IndiaPlast exhibition which will be organised from March 6 to 8, 2014, at Chennai Trade Centre by Al Fajer Information and Services in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), India’s biggest industry association.

This announcement was made on the heels of signing a strategic agreement between the two bodies in New Delhi today (Monday, 6th February, 2012).

Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information & Services, said: “We were looking to expand ArabPlast into new markets after the successful launch of Plastpack Africa show last year. Arab plastics and petrochemicals companies were excited about India because of its rapidly increasing industrial development. The move to expand ArabPlast into India holds significant potential for the continued growth and development of the Pan Arab plastics and petrochemical industry.”

Spread across eight halls at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, ArabPlast a household name in the region is the Middle East’s premiere trade show for rubber, plastics and plastic processing.

Khanna added: “ArabPlast gave birth to Plastpack Africa, extending the brand into Africa, while now we are launching IndiaPlast in conjunction with the largest industry association in India, the second largest economy in the world.”

CII is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry led and industry managed organisation, playing a proactive role in India’s development process. Founded over 117 years ago, it is India’s premier business association, with a direct membership of over 7000 organisations from the private as well as public sectors, including SMEs and MNCs, and an indirect membership of over 90,000 companies from around 250 national and regional sectoral associations.

Besides playing the role as the supreme body of Indian corporates, CII also organises large number of trades shows and conference in India and aboard, most notably the recently concluded AutoExpo in New Delhi.

Khanna added: “We are positive that plastics and petrochemicals companies from all over the world will participate in IndiaPlast. The new show will cover a wide spectrum of plastic machinery, plastic/rubber processing technology, pre and post-processing systems, plastic packaging technology, injection moulding, blow moulding, wrapping technology, extrusions, chemicals and additives, semi finished goods, engineering plastics and plastic products.”

He pointed out: “IndiaPlast will cater to the rapidly increasing Asian demand for plastics and its raw materials and, of course, the machines.”

Khanna added: “Our first exhibition was launched way back in 1975, four years before the existence of Dubai World Trade Centre. Since its inception, Al Fajer has created a niche in the market by organizing and managing some of the premier shows in Dubai. Currently, in its portfolio, Al Fajer has some 25 international exhibitions in some 7 Countries, with office / agent network world wide.”

Sony Alpha NEX Line-up of Compact Interchangeable-lens cameras with APS HD CMOS Sensor Delivers Professional Picture Quality

Sony, the leading consumer electronics brand, today announced the appointment of Lebanese music sensation, Maya Diab, as brand ambassador for Sony’s Alpha NEX compact interchangeable lens cameras.

The stylish singer features in Sony’s new TV and print commercials for the Alpha NEX compact interchangeable lens cameras, showcasing all of the camera’s capabilities including the world’s fastest* release time lag (0.02 seconds) and best low light sensor.

The ad film, directed by Ali F. Mostafa, a renowned Emirati filmmaker, has Diab performing a signature dance routine whilst using the Sony Alpha NEX camera. Built around a Maya Diab concert, the film turns the spotlight on her glamorous performances and her ability to instantly connect with fans and also showcases some of the camera’s key highlights, such as, Full HD video recording, brilliant images in low-light conditions and the world’s fastest release time lag.

Osamu Miura, Managing Director, Sony Gulf, said: “As one of the most elegant and talented entertainers in the Middle East, Maya Diab is a perfect fit for Sony’s Alpha NEX range. This celebrated lady of style and music truly embodies the quality and impactful output that the Alpha NEX camera range offers.”

Commenting on her appointment, Maya Diab said: “It is a pleasure for me to be associated with a brand like Sony. I sing, perform and take beautiful pictures with the Sony Alpha NEX - I am totally fascinated by the technologically superior features of this camera. I eagerly look forward to make a positive contribution to the brand imagery of the Sony Alpha NEX and fulfill the expectations from this association.”

Diab was recently voted the ‘Most Attractive Artist for 2011’ by the Gulf magazine Zahrat Al Khaleej. A former member of ‘4 Cats’, an all-Arab girl band, she is currently a fashion and media icon in Lebanon.

A writer, producer and director, Ali F Mostafa made short films before his 2009 feature debut, City Of Life, broke box office records for an Emirati movie. He now has his own production house that works on corporate, feature and commercial ad films.

The trusted nourishing solution for making your hair long-lastingly beautiful

The bond between a mother and her daughter is one that lasts through generations, with every ritual she passes on to her child fortifying it further. One such valued custom for healthy and beautiful hair is regular oiling. Regular oil massage is a practice that spans countries, eras and cultures and is one of the most effective and beloved tips for healthy hair. Women become nostalgic when they think about the wonderful times their mothers lovingly nurtured their hair. Uncontrollable external factors such as extreme weather, harsh shampoos,chemical products and modern styling habits wreak havoc on hair, depleting natural oils and altering the hair structure permanently over time.

Over several decades Dabur Amla has acquired the trust of millions of Arab mothers across the region and has now come to be known as a mother’s primary choice for hair nourishment for her family.  A head massage with the original Dabur Amla hair oil , instantly recognizable by its prominent green bottle, has become one of the simplest and easiest ways to provide natural nourishment to hair from root to tip.  A special blend of natural oils and the goodness of Vitamin E, Dabur Amla Hair oil nourishes hair by replenishing the natural oils of the scalp and also helps protect hair from the harmful UV rays from Sun, thereby aiding the prevention of dull and brittle hair.  Dabur Amla has continuously evolved to offer innovative solutions and the same trusted hair nourishment for different hair problems: 

•Amla Gold Hair Oil: This unique gold standard formulation, enriched with Henna and Almonds, has been designed especially for dry and damaged hair.  
•Amla Jasmine Hair Oil:  Especially developed for Colored hair, the fragrant Amla Jasmine oil protects colored hair from early fading and prevents hair damage. 
•Amla Anti Dandruff Hair Oil: Enriched with Lemon and Rosemary, It soothes dry and itchy scalp and it’s one of the most effective solutions that fight recurring dandruff.
•Amla Cooling Hair Oil: This naturally, nourishing cooling solution with Almonds, Mentha provides instant relief from heat & stress.
Habitual hair oil massaging is irreplaceable since it provides the required amount of nutrients and protects the moisture in hair. Making Dabur Amla hair oils a part of your hair care regimen will ensure that you’re the health and maintenance of your crowning glory is restored for decades to come.  Garner the goodness of Dabur Amla hair oil by leaving it in your hair overnight and experiencing the blessing of long, strong and healthy hair the next day.                                                                                                                                                

The trusted Dabur Amla brand remains every mother’s valuable gift to her daughter. Dabur Amla has been and vows to always be an everlasting companion in every woman’s quest for long, strong and beautiful hair.

Damas, the Middle East’s leading international jewellery and watch retailer, has unveiled its new Valentines Collection 2012, featuring pendants inspired by the memorable ‘key to your heart’ theme.

“These key pendants have a lot of meaning attached to them, as they indicate that the lady wears the key to her loved one’s heart very close to her own,” said Raj Sahai, Director – Retail, Damas Jewellery. “This is a very romantic new collection, and reflects the magic, intrigue and allure of true love. Memorable pieces such as this do not last one day – they remain memories that last a lifetime.”

An 18k gold key from Damas’ Kiku Pearl brand is highlighted by the sparkle of round brilliant diamonds, offset by a coined pearl. A solitary heart at the end of the key shadowed by diamond studs ensures the pendant sparkles with romance.

Another key pendant, crafted in 18k gold and round brilliant diamonds, has a large gold heart carefully cut in the middle, surrounded by a larger heart in diamonds, to create an elegant and stylish look. An additional two smaller heart outlines are engraved on the stem of the key. The moveable pieces of the external diamond heart, representing the man’s heart, represent that his love surrounds the woman’s golden heart.

The Kiku Pearl Key is priced at AED 1,390 and the Diamond Key is priced at AED 1,490.

In addition to the ‘key to your heart’ collection, a number of other Valentines Day-inspired designs have been unveiled in Damas’ popular ‘Farfasha’ collection, crafted in 18k gold.  These include necklaces and bracelets, through to earrings and anklets, available in the Dolce Vita, Moonlight, Mirror and Breeze collections.

The Valentines 2012 Collection is available at select Damas stores across the UAE for a limited time only. For more information, visit www.damasjewellery.com

The demand for writing and marking instruments continues to grow at a rapid pace worldwide despite the onset of the digital age and increasing number of paperless transactions.

This ongoing market expansion is being driven by the emerging economies, including those in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, where increasing literacy, rapid population growth and growing prosperity fuels demand for better quality writing instruments. This continuing surge in demand is expected to impact favourably on Paperworld Middle East 2012, the region’s premier trade event for the world of office and stationery, feels organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“We have experienced considerable interest from leading manufacturers and suppliers of writing and marking instruments, who are interested in participating at Paperworld Middle East in order to gain traction in the regional market place,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “With the Middle East figuring prominently as a key segment in what is expected to be a global market worth $19.43bn by 2015, international and regional interest in the segment here is significant,” he added.

Pauwels said that the region’s favourable growth trend was one of the key reasons for launching Paperworld Middle East last year. Taking into account the continuing surge in regional demand for office products, stationery and paper products, he expects the event to progress further in the coming year.

The second edition of Paperworld Middle East will be held from March 6th to 8th, 2012, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will feature leading international manufacturers of writing instruments including German heavyweight brands Lamy and Schneider who will showcase their latest range of high quality products.

“Participating in Paperworld Middle East last year was truly beneficial and we gained considerable business leads at the event,” said Klaus Baumgärtner, Export Director of Schneider Schreibgeräte GmbH. “We are looking forward to the coming event as we have lined up some exciting new products for the region,” he added.

Farook International Stationery, one of Dubai’s major local players, who is representing German manufacturer Durable as well as the Japanese brand Artline, renown for its innovative characteristics and quality writing instruments, will make their presence felt amongst many others.

Mr. Farook A. Rahimtulla, President of Farook International Stationery, said, “Paperworld Middle East is a great platform to further popularise our diverse range of office and stationery products, amongst which we also proudly represent the Japanese writing instruments Artline. We expect good results from our participation in March.”

Being the only one of its kind trade show in the region, Paperworld Middle East offers a comprehensive trading and networking platform for companies and trade visitors involved in office supplies, paper products and stationery in the region and beyond. The event features manufacturers, suppliers and traders dealing in writing instruments, office supplies, office and household papers, gift articles, greeting cards, stationery and school articles. Writing instruments including ballpoint pens, markers, highlighters, roller pens, mechanical pens, porous point pens, fountain pens and pencils are expected to feature prominently at the event, as well as a wide range of high end executive pens.

The exhibition will, this time, also feature special pavilions dedicated to exhibitors from Germany, Egypt, India, Taiwan and China as a direct result of the increasing participation from these countries.

Award winning jewellery retailer Pure Gold Jewellers has launched a romantic collection of heart shaped pendants in diamonds, gold and silver exclusively for Valentine’s Day.  An example of true contemporary design, the pendants are wonderfully dramatic and make for uniquely aesthetic gifts symbolic of one’s heartfelt love for another.

The beautiful Valentine’s Day pendant from the brand’s Pure Diamonds collection features a heart within a heart, set in18 kt gold and encrusted with 15 cents diamonds. The cocooned inner heart also has a sprinkling of 10 cents of pink coloured stones giving it a quintessentially romantic and novel look. The pendant is available at a price of AED 1099.

A single heart pendant in 18kt gold and exquisitely cut 6 cents brilliant diamonds is available from the Pure Sparkle collection aimed at the modern woman. Bold and elegant, the pendant is a classic and is suitable for both day and evening wear and is priced at AED 499.

This year, Pure Gold Jewellers has also introduced a special Valentine’s Day heart pendant in its newly launched Pure Silver collection. Two entwined hearts set in sterling silver and 18 karat gold trimming with a generous sprinkling of diamonds, make for a perfect romantic gift that speaks of true love. The superbly crafted jewellery is available for AED 349.

According to Karim Merchant, CEO and MD of Pure Gold Jewellers, “Let’s face it, women love jewellery and in spite of all the various gift options available nothing can compare to a romantic gift of precious diamonds set in a heart shaped design that she can wear, reminding her of how much she is loved and appreciated. Our Valentine’s Day collection is straight from the heart and is easy on the wallet. We have various combinations of diamonds, gold and silver all set in designs that sparkle romance and love.”

The Valentine’s Day collection from Pure Gold Jewellers is available from the company’s stores in the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and India.

Nayomi’s enticing Glamour collection caries you away to an alluring new world

As the season of spring dawns, let imagination light your way and take you to a place where everything you need is just a wish away. Indulge and nurture your dreams with Nayomi’s Spring 2012 collection and get carried away to a whole new world of fantasy. 

Inspired by the allure of the very sensual Princess Jasmine, the Spring 2012 glamour collection finely creates a combination of the classic with the contemporary. Choose from dreamy and flowing robes and styles that color your beauty with the brightness of a spring day and the warmth of a spring evening.

Nayomi brings you each silhouette on a magic carpet in the blooming colors of a garden in spring –

A shining, shimmering and splendid compilation, displaying delightful details such as pearl embellishments, diamante trims, cowl drapings and exotic florals.

Float away on a dream cloud and adorn yourself in the enchanting beauty of the Spring 2012 Nayomi glamour collections.

The Glamour collection comprises of the following:

Hala: Stunning paisley prints on rich satin with striking red cut out lace make up this collection. Adding femininity to the outfits with plunging necklines and high splits, the finishing touch of sparkling trim makes for a gorgeous collection.

Available in: Long dress, babydoll set, Capri set, Pajama set

Sawsan: Romantically styled, Sawsan features beautiful floral placement embroidery and light chiffon. Adornments such as cowl draping, ruffles keyhole details and diamante trims are blended into a striking collection.

Available in: Long dress, Short dress set, Babydoll set, Pajama set, Boxer set, Robe

Tahraa: An extravagant collection, two tone magenta lace contrasted in rich gold is paired with butter soft chiffon and new daring cuts, making this the perfect collection for a bold and beautiful woman. Flattering necklines and rich ruffle details make for some breathtaking silhouettes.

Available in: Long dress, Short dress, Babydoll set, Boxer set, Capri set, Robe

Yasmine: Precious and dreamy, Yasmine is a soft and feminine floral and paisley print dominated collection in satin and sheer chiffon topped off with delicate galoon lace and pearl trim.

Available in: Long dress, Short dress set, Babydoll set, Capri set, Babydoll set,Short dress, Pajama set

Rawaa: A stunning burnout collection that flaunts fanciful floral print in attractive shades of pink, complemented with fine pink lace and solid satin. Bias cuts and draped frills add to the elegance of this collection.

Available in: Long dress, Short dress, Babydoll set, Capri set

Sophie: Vibrant green satin and electric pink eyelash lace create a refreshing and extremely innovative collection. The modern shapes flaunt striking color combinations and make for an irresistible array of silhouettes.

Available in: Long dress, Babydoll set, Short dress, Jumpsuit