18/07/2012 (Bernama) - Borneo's largest trade exhibitions, Palm Oil Technology Sarawak (PALMEX) and Sarawak Oil and Gas Expo (SOGEX) 2012 in Bintulu, which concluded recently, have surpassed the target with US$60 million worth of business transactions to be clinched soon.

Fireworks Event (M) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Jerel Soo said some 3,500 visitors and trade exhibitors thronged the exhibition centre at the Bintulu Civic Centre.

"The achievement augurs well for the two main sectors which are now booming in the district of Bintulu, now known as the oil and gas town of Sarawak," he told Bernama when contacted.

The three-day showcase was held from July 11-13, with exhibitors who took part in the event were positive about the outlook for commercial fit-out projects in Bintulu.

Many of them cited an increase in the number of business enquiries received and contracts secured during the event.

A participant from Singapore, James Brown said: "We are very pleased to take part in this event. We have received feedback from trade counterparts' exhibitors and they have been extremely positive about the products displayed.

"They were able to meet a very dedicated and focused audience from across the region and build key relationships that we hope will help to generate a lot of business over the next few months," he said.

With more than US$60 million worth of major projects, expected to be awarded and secured, this year's exhibitions were the busiest show in the district of Bintulu.

"We have been participating in oil and gas expos in the last couple of years and can confidently say such an event is the only platform for players worldwide to target a large number of buyers across the Asian region.

"Visitors to our booth increased by 35 per cent from last year and at least 40 per cent of them hailed from the oil and gas industry with the others coming from other countries in and outside of Asia.

"What is particularly encouraging is the fact that most of these visitors were senior decision makers," Brown said.

"I have been attending such expos for the last four years and am happy to see it improving every year. There was an excellent range of products on display, not only from the big global players but also from regional enterprises," said Clarence Chong, a trade visitor.

"The education seminars or conference were a real value added offering and helped me to gain important insights into current issues impacting the oil and gas and oil palm sectors in Asia," he added.

The second series of Oil and Gas Labuan will be held at Labuan Convention Centre of Ujana Kewangan, targeting international oil and gas players across the region.

Soo said: "This has been another great year for two expos. The feedback we've gathered on-site indicated the show has delivered beyond the expectations of participants and visitors alike.

"We showcased an incredible range of award-winning products from all over the world, encouraged healthy professional debate during the industry seminars and provided direct access to real business opportunities.

"We look forward to strengthening these opportunities through our collaboration with various trade industries next year."