Bahrain eyes bigger Arabplast participation as investments in plastic industry rise

The 11th edition of one of the world's biggest plastic industry exhibitions, Arabplast, will be held from January 7 to 10. The organisers of the show said that Bahrain is investing in the production of plastic polymers to cater to the annual plastic consumption growth in the Gulf. They said that a large number of Bahraini investors, including banks, manufacturers and funding companies are investing in the rapidly growing GCC polymers industry.  

"Bahrain is increasing its share of the production of petrochemicals which is becoming a key driver of the kingdom's economy and which enhances its economy diversification drive," said event joint organiser Al Fajer Information and Services general manager Satish Khanna. "Even though just 20% of the GCC petrochemical products are plastics, they account for 70% in terms of value.” He added that the GCC region will emerge as the second highest per capita consumer of plastics in the world by 2020. 

The petrochemical industry is the backbone of industrial development in Bahrain and plays an important role in the kingdom's economy. The industry has contributed to creating new downstream industries in Bahrain such as chemicals, detergent, paint, medical and industrial gases, plastics, synthetic sponges, glass and heat insulators. 

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association in its annual plastic consumption in the GCC would grow by 22% from 3.3 million tonnes in 2011 to 5.5m tonnes in 2015. 

Arabplast 2013 will be 34% bigger than the 2011 edition, following record number of exhibitors and sponsors. The event will have some 26,000 trade visitors from 107 countries. "The growth of this show reflects the high global demand for plastics and its raw materials as well as machinery products," Mr Khanna said.