JEDDAH, 9 December 2007 — Saudi Arabia, which has an ongoing construction boom, has marked a rapid expansion in the exploitation and processing of natural stone. There is a great demand for granites, which is being met by local processing plants. “But these plants need latest technology for processing and production of stones and this is being offered by Italy, which has world leadership in stone processing technology,” Dr. Piero Primavori, Dimension Stone International Consultant, told a seminar hosted by the Italian Trade Commission, the trade promotion section of the Italian Embassy, at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday.
“The Kingdom has vast potential for exploiting marble, especially in its vast deserts, but that is not being done as demand mainly exists for granite stones, he said.
Italy exports 70 percent of its marble, granite and other stones the world over. The United States, Turkey, Germany, China, India and the Gulf are its main markets.
Architects and designers were among those attending the seminar, which focused on the application and use of latest stone processing technology.
Primavori provided a overview of the technologies used in dimension stone quarries and processing plants in his presentation.
Dr. Giovanni Pacitti, director, trade promotion attaché at the Italian Trade Commission, said Saudi demand for stone processing plant technology was on the rise and Italy offered the best of technology for this sector. Bilateral trade was also continually expanding, he said, adding that Italian exports to the Kingdom rose by 65 percent during 2004-06 and imports from the Kingdom increased by 45 percent. “In fact, our exports to the Kingdom between January and August this year have risen by 43 percent,” he said. Over 50 percent of Italian exports to the Kingdom are of machinery, appliances and electrical equipment.
“We have bright prospects for expanding our bilateral trade cooperation, especially in the field of stone processing technology due to the current construction boom,” Italian Consul General Adriano Maria Santacesaria said.
