The first-ever Paperworld networking evening in Dubai concluded on a successful note yesterday with close to 100 professionals in attendance ranging from exhibitors, senior industry figures, stakeholders, trade visitors, buyers and organisers, all expressing satisfaction at the outcomes gained from the inaugural meeting.

The networking initiative was designed to serve as a key interactive forum for all regional industry stakeholders, with the focus on the current position of the paper, stationery and related industries in the Middle East. Issues affecting its development and possible solutions as well as the future direction of growth for the paper products, office stationery and supplies industries in the wider region were among the key topics of discussion at the lively forum.

“The purpose of the inaugural networking evening for Paperworld stakeholders was to create a viable forum for intra-industry discussions that focuses on issues concerning the paper industry, identifies commonalities and strengths and proposes effective solutions,” said Michael Dehn, Group Exhibitions Director, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Paperworld Middle East which takes place every March in Dubai. “One of the hot topics at the evening was the increase in popularity of environmentally friendly paper. We are constantly being reminded of the environment and it is each person’s responsibility to play their part in protecting it.”

Representatives from key players within the office and stationery sector such as Al Gurg Stationery, April Fine Paper, Hoshan Pan Gulf, Magrudys and Pelikan listened to the presentations and participated in an informal industry discussion as part of the networking reception which took place at The H Hotel Office Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Following a presentation by the Paperworld Middle East team, including details of previous editions of Paperworld and relevant statistics and information, the delegates were then given an informative presentation on the paper market in Dubai and eco-friendly products in particular by Mr. Abhilash Venugopal of Al Gurg Stationery.

“Interactive forums such as these have a crucial role in fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards solving key issues facing the regional industry,” said Venugopal. “We are seeing a significant increase in the switch from producing paper pulp through chemical processes to producing it via mechanical processes. This is a significant development as the manufacturing process is certainly more environmentally friendly. The next shift we are beginning to see is the use of agriculture residue pulp which uses less energy, less water and fewer chemicals than wood pulp. The industry will continue to evolve in this way and it is crucial to stay abreast of these forward trends.”

Paperworld Middle East brings the unmatched expertise, scope and reach of the Frankfurt-based parent show to key decision makers, buyers and customers in the region. Paperworld is a global brand for the paper, stationery and office supplies sector with successful platforms in promising markets: Germany, China, Hong Kong, Dubai and Russia.

Since its Dubai debut in March 2011, Paperworld Middle East has grown into a trade and networking event of significance that attracts industry-wide interest from international and regional manufacturers and suppliers looking to strengthen their market presence. The next edition of the trade show will take place from March 4 to 6, 2014 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition draws trade visitors from across the region representing: wholesalers, distributors, hypermarkets & supermarkets, stationery shops, paper & office suppliers, gift shops, publishers & printers, bookshops, children’s shops, schools and universities to name a few.