;)
Actualités françaises
Mardi 25 mai 2010 - Interview French Business Group - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s F1 Circuit was AGRESTA Technologies’ first contract in the UAE. This French SME provided a high thermal and phonic insulation, with a light and ecologically friendly material (a mineral-bearing and stabilized wood particle) for the rooftop screed of the Yas Hotel.
AGRESTA Technologies find their place in an Emirate which bets on good quality for its constructions and the respect for the environment.
Mr. Jeoffroy, you are in charge of setting up and developing AGRESTA in the UAE. What made you turn towards this market?
The insulating properties of the products manufactured by AGRESTA Technologies are especially efficient in hot weather regions as the Middle-East.
Moreover the fact that the UAE government encourages the green construction definitively motivated our choice to launch the company in the UAE in January 2009.
You started working in Abu Dhabi as an International Volunteer (V.I.E.) and took an office at the FBG. What would you say are the benefits of having your office there? What advice would you give to newcomers who wish to settle in Abu Dhabi?
To be a member of the FBG and to get an office in their premises gave us a stronger image as it is very valuable to be part of an already well established organization.
Newcomers should also know that it helps to get a network with whom to share relevant information about the UAE market.
How did you find the market here? What difficulties did you meet? What opportunities did you find?
The UAE environment is very dynamic and offers many opportunities. However there are some barriers to overcome, particularly for an SME. To penetrate the market and get the main contractors to know your products known is a long process and it takes some time before you win a contract.
What are the strengths of AGRESTA’s products? How do they fit in the construction market in Abu Dhabi?
AGRESTA’s main strength is to bring innovative aggregates that provide lightness, insulation and green properties to concrete mix designs for screeds and noise barriers.
Our technology allows an important CO2 fixation and puzzles the contractors and people we meet in precast factories.
Tell us more about your achievements here in the UAE.
Our biggest achievements are the approvals and partnerships with local companies. This is the result of an intensive work from our office in Abu Dhabi but also from our head office in France.
Are you working on new projects?
Yes, we are currently working on the ADNEC Tower “Capital Gate” project through our exclusive seller and applicator “WadiRumDecor” in order to provide them with light screeds.
What are the values driving your work?
Perseverance and Glocalisation. I learnt here how to adapt global trends to the local market behavior.
Could you reveal our readers where AGRESTA is heading next?
We are currently doing a market study on our opportunities in Singapore…
Now that WadiRumDecor is managing our business in the UAE, I will probably be in charge of the South East Asia market development.
Congratulations for your achievements and good luck for the future!
Novius
Publi-Nova