Industry catalyst gets bigger and better

The plastics industry in the Middle East hass hown remark able development in the past that in the next few years, the industry is expected to grow by 20% annually. The region''s importance in the global global plastics industry cannot be overlooked as it supplies about 80% of crude oil worldwide. Thus, the 9th Arab International Plastic and Rubber Industry Trade Show or ArabPlast 2009 is expected to have more visitors this year to surpass the 14,400+ visitors two years ago. The show''s importance is reflected in the dramatic increase in the number of exhibitors, from 537 in the last edition to over 700 this year. These consist of leading companies engaged in the plastics, petrochemicals, packaging & rubber related industries from more than 40 countries . The exhibition space is also bigger, with a total area of 25,000 square meters, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. A side from the latest technologies in products, machinery, materials and services in the plastics and rubber industry, more features have been added this year to cater to the dynamic plastics industry of the Middle East region. There will be a bigger section for raw materials, more attractive plastics finished goods on exhibit, and wider range of state-of-the art plastic and rubber machinery with live demonstrations. As a leading trade show, Arab Plast 2009 will show case the dynamic development of plastic sand its releated sectors in the Middle East region and provide companies with the ideal environment to identify and forge business relationships. In addition , the Arab Plast conferences will provide the latest on markey dynamics, R&D updates and upcoming opportunities in the Gulf polymer sector. Targetedat plastic converters, molders, polymer raw material producers , plastic compo unders , logistic csplayers , government bodies, investors, end users from key application sectors: packaging, plastic pipe , auto parts, etc . and any one involve din the polymer industry, the conferences and seminars cover, among others, topics on opportunities and challenges in the Gulf polymer industry; more efficient SCM strategies and review of port operations; implication of potential plastic usage reduction in the United Arab Emi rates (UAE) ; investment strategies in the downstream sector; new molding and processing advances; master batch & compounding dynamics ; and demand driver s in application sectors. The plastic products market in Dubai is considered one of the largest markets in the region. The sector has diversified into different products such as pipes, fiber, etc. with the versatility of plastic making the industry one of the most heterogeneous, with links to a large number of economic sectors. The industry''s growth is further fuelled by the petrochemical industry in the UAE which has witnessed a huge increase in the last decade ?with investments in the sector representing about 22% of the total manufacturing investments. The plastic industry, as downs t ream activity in the oil industry, has a considerable potential for industrialization in the country as a whole and particularly in Dubai. With the plastic products market in Dubai being considered one of the largest markets in the region, the show is expected to attract more interest even from plastics-related sectors. Air Force 1 Low Flyknit