Plastivision Arabia: Multi-industry trade events open in Sharjah

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 on Monday, 7 April 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) – India. All the shows and the conference are running simultaneously and will continue until April 10 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.

The exhibitions are open from 10am to 6pm daily from 7 to 10 April 2014 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Admission is only trade and professional visitors.