"The Big 5 demonstration will be the first time this technology has been seen on central a/c systems in the Middle East. We are convinced this technology will help customers maintain their health. Recently, a major newspaper in the UAE reported that residents are complaining of allergies they believe are caused by central a/c systems and doctors also think these systems give rise to fits of sneezing and other allergic symptoms."

The Big 5 show is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from Oct 26th to Oct 30th 2002.At the LG Electronics' Big 5 pavilion, visitors will be able to 'test' the system for themselves through a specially-prepared demonstration kit. "Visitors will be able to see the clear difference in air quality once it is filtered through our authentic plasma air purifying system," explained An.

"The plasma air purifying filter has been well received in the split a/c sector but the move into the commercial segment has much wider implications."

LG Electronics' Big 5 pavilion, which is double-storied, is twice the size of the company's 2001 participation. "The increase in our Big 5 presence reflects the advances LG has made in the commercial a/c sector particularly over the past year," said An. "We will have four distinct technology zones displaying amongst other things are Art Cool d?cor air conditioners, which have given us product leadership in the interiors sector."

At the Big 5, LG will display its full range of commercial a/cs including split/wall-mounted, floor standing, ceiling suspended and cassette as well as concealed duct and single package units.

Earlier this year, LG became the first producer to bring advanced tele-control a/cs, where systems can be operated via a mobile phone, to the Gulf's commercial sector.

Commercial a/c sales currently constitute 40% of the Middle East's rapidly growing a/c market. "The market for commercial plant air-conditioning in the Middle East and India is currently valued at US $732 million by the UK's Building Standards Research and Information Association. That market is rising at 8% per annum and should reach US $1 billion by 2004," said Shashank Dalal, General Manager, A/C Equipment, LG Electronics Gulf FZE. It's a sizeable market and one in which we aim to take a substantial share.

"The market is developing through extensive new build and upgrade refurbishment and LG is making good headway with our products having recently been approved by all the government agencies in Dubai and Sharjah."

LG aims to be the number one supplier across all a/c sectors in the Middle East by 2004. The company is now the world's leading air conditioning supplier, according to JARN, the international trade magazine for the a/c industry.