Plastivision Arabia 2012 - Excellent response for GCC's newest exhibition

Plastivision Arabia 2012 proved be a milestone to remember. The launch edition of the international plastics exhibition and conference not only opened doors to new horizons, opportunities and alliances between trade partners, but also showcased GCC's rising ability in the global petrochemical arena as the region grows on the back of relatively higher crude prices, generic sense of stability in markets and the influx of sizeable investments.

Held at the ExpoCentre Sharjah from 14 – 17 May 2012, the maiden edition of the international trade show offered a sourcing and networking platform for the region's thriving petrochemicals and plastics industry. It covered an exhibition area of 10,000 square metres featuring 150 exhibitors from 20 countries and also recorded one of the highest figures in terms of visitor pre-registration – more than 2,000. However, it received 4,763 visitors from 66 countries during its four-day run, leaving a positive impact with its very first attempt. The show also had the distinction of seeing almost all the displayed machines getting sold.

The region serves as location to massive production facilities, acting as an arbitrage point for polymers worldwide whilst at the same time having fruitfully captured a sizeable portion of the Asian subcontinent market given low prices of feedstock and other materials. Industry Intelligence Experts GlobalData announced that the basic petrochemicals capacity in the Middle East grew by a compounded annual average rate of 11.1%. According to the Global Industry Analysts, the packaging sector in the UAE was valued at $1.84 billion in 2011, and at an annual growth of more than 4.5%, it is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2016. The construction sector will play a prominent role being the second largest plastic and plastic products consumer with almost $15 billion worth of contracts in 2012, an increase of 26% from last year, according to Ventures Middle East.

"Plastivision Arabia was keenly awaited by the global plastics industry due to huge investments earmarked by the regional governments in the upstream and downstream petrochemicals sector. It is seen as a game changer owing to the twin benefits of abundant availability of raw materials and low feedstock prices in the region," commented Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"GCC states are focusing on value addition, from oil economy to polymers and plastic products; and India is willing to support this transition with its industry – the manpower, machines and molds. We see opportunity for GCC and India, where we can co-operate with each other and supplement each other," said Jayesh Rambhia, President, AIPMA, co-organiser of Plastivision Arabia.

Meeting point for key sectors

Whilst Plastivision Arabia featured leading raw material producers, primary processing and auxiliary equipment suppliers from the region as well as across the world, ArabiaMold, co-organised by DEMAT Fairs & Exhibitions-Germany, showcased moulding equipment and services such as mould-making tools, filtration instruments, welding equipment, cooling systems and other related industrial machines and accessories.

The shows collectively offered a comprehensive sourcing point for key segments such as plastic processing, injection moulding, thermoforming, packaging, industrial users, construction, infrastructure , automobile and telecommunication, amongst others.

Plastivision Arabia also featured a Business Opportunity Pavilion, Expert Consultation Counters, the Green Pavilion, and Recruitment Corner, apart from the opportunity to take part in the "Use or Abuse - You Choose" campaign, where, apart from other activities, visitors could view films on how fantastic a role plastics play inNIKE AIR FORCE