The Plastics, mould-making, printing and packaging industries have descended on Sharjah, as the region’s only multi-industry trade event got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah.

The 2nd Plastivision Arabia, 2nd Arabia Mold, inaugural Print Pack Arabia, and the 5th International Conference for Plastics Conversion (PlastiCon 2014) were jointly inaugurated by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Central Finance and Mr. Indrajit Pal, I.A.S., Secretary DCPC (Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals.
The opening was attended by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; top executives of co-organisers All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, DEMAT, Indian Printing Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers' Association, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association and other guests.
With the UAE becoming a leading source for petrochemicals and plastics, key regional players are making a beeline to lend their support to a major industry event in Sharjah. As India is focusing on exports to Middle East and Africa most of the big player will be targeting Plastivsion Arabia 2014 as a major event for future to get more export business says Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, Chairman of PVA, he further added we are having some special schemes for SME and MSME’s.
“Plastics consumption in the Middle East is driven by the packaging and construction industries, followed by consumer goods and textiles. A rapidly growing young population, big-ticket construction projects, and bigger penetration of pre-packed foods are driving consumption, prompting region’s plastics producers to look at acquiring new machinery and technology to keep pace with demand,” said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to a PCI Films Consulting report, the flexible packaging industry in the Middle East and Africa is valued at US$4 billion in 2013, and is growing five per cent annually. The second largest consumer of plastics, the construction sector has around US$3.45 trillion worth of projects in the design, bid or construction stage until 2025 in the GCC, according to another report.
Spurred by rising regional advertising spend, expanding retail landscape and increasing exports, the printing and packaging industry is looking at Print Pack Arabia as the best platform to source their requirements of new technology, designs and products. This is particularly so because 80 per cent of firms operating in the field are based in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates.
Visitors can expect new technology that are cost-effective and will help in improving productivity by several folds. 3D solutions to printing and mould-making will be a one such new technology the regional industries are keenly waiting for. Besides, Plastivision Arabia is playing host to the International Conference for Plastics Conversion (PlastiCon 2014), in association with the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA).
The 5th PlastiCon 2014, being held for the first time at Expo Centre Sharjah, has brought key plastics industry decision makers face to face, while presenting innovations in plastic conversion, and helping participants capitalize on three days of invaluable content and networking opportunities.
Majority of the exhibitors taken part in a multi-industry trade event in Sharjah are utilising the opportunity to explore the possibility of expanding their presence in the fast-growing Middle East and North Africa market.

Visitor turnout and participation at the 2nd Plastivision Arabia, 2nd Arabia Mold, inaugural Print Pack Arabia, and the 5th International Conference for Plastics Conversion (PlastiCon) was high on the first three days of the event.
“The first three days were fantastic. With one more day to go, we are expecting further surge in visitors to the multi-industry events. Most of the exhibitors are optimistic about the MENA and GCC growth story and are planning to expand their presence in the region”, “With plastics being an ideal packaging material for all sorts of commercial and industrial users, the introduction of Print Pack Arabia will give a new dimension to Plastivision Arabia & Arabia Mold,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
The addition of the International Conference for Plastics Conversion (PlastiCon 2014) to Plastivision Arabia in association with industry body Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) has also played a key role in attracting leading establishments to support the event.

“By focusing on the growth of plastics conversion both globally and in GCC countries and highlighting the key role of innovation in market and product development, the fifth GPCA PlastiCon will be a significant event for the regional industry and add great value to Plastivision Arabia,” said Dr Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, Secretary General, GPCA.

GPCA PlastiCon 2014 featured a Gala Dinner showcasing the GPCA Plastics Excellence Awards, which recognized companies, individuals, academics or students who have displayed excellence in plastic conversion innovation.

Ms. Petra Löwer, Executive Editor of Plastics Planet, Packaging Planet, Injection Moulding World and Modern Extrusion World magazines said that; the Middle East and African market is growing, Indian companies should focus exporting to these region.

These premier industry events come at a time when GCC’s petrochemical exports are expected to hit a record high this year with the WTO Bali Package set to come into effect. The agreement will make it easier to trade with the developed world, which can lead to a surge in exports from the GCC that stood at 172mn cubic metres in 2012, equivalent to 75 per cent of its output and valued at US$52.7 billion, according to latest reports.

The World Bank Group’s latest regional economic update projects growth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to accelerate from an average of 2.6 per cent in 2013 to 4.6 per cent in 2015. Higher global and regional demand is also expected to boost exports of manufactured products, it said.

Rising real estate prices and mega events like World Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022 taking place in quick succession are expected to further boost growth.

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