PLASTEX 2008 to feature products and processes capable of meeting rising demand for plastics in MENA region

Event organizer ACG-ITF has confirmed the participation of 550 exhibitors from 31 countries and expects around 24,000 trade visitors from 18 countries to explore the 22,000 square metres of exhibition space featured in this year's edition.

Exhibitors from the leading manufacturing countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Japan, UK, US, China, India, Taiwan and Turkey will feature their technical solutions to the burgeoning MENA demand for plastics manufacturing machinery and raw materials.

The Gulf in particular has emerged as a highly active market, with volume of consumption expected to grow to 3.2 million tonnes from the current 2.3 million tonnes. Average per capita consumption of plastics products in the region is expected to reach 78 kg per annum by 2012, compared to around 67 kg in 2006, thus necessitating the expansion of both the number and capabilities of plastic manufacturing plants. The exhibition is expected to play a major role in this industry challenge as it will be hosting the biggest names in regional and international plastic machinery manufacturers and raw material providers.

Hany Khafagy, Travel Department Manager, ACG-ITF, said: "We have paid extra attention to ensure that our exhibitors, visitors and guests have access to the best services and amenities during this event. We expect another heavy turnout of regional businessmen and factory owners throughout the city's hotels, especially those adjacent to the Cairo International Fair Ground that consistently witness occupation rates soar during the event. We have in fact received numerous booking confirmations in response to the attractive discounts and special prices we offer to our international & regional guests"

"We will set up a permanent stand at the organizers' office during the event to provide additional on-site service including daily Cairo sightseeing tours. Our goal is to harmonize business with leisure activities and amenities so that our guests enjoy a productive and yet relaxed atmosphere. Egypt has a rich blend of natural, historical, leisure and religious attractions, so we want our visitors to enjoy all of these and maximize their stay,"

he added.

PLASTEX is the largest international plastics trade fair in the MENA region, providing a major marketing platform for machinery and equipment, raw materials and auxiliaries, technical parts and other plastics industry related services. Qatar Petrochemical Co., the leading global producer and supplier of petrochemicals, mainly low density polylethene and ethylene substances, will act as the exhibition's main sponsor.

PLASTEX has been held in Cairo every 18 months since its inaugural run in 1993; during its 2007 edition it posted a 30 per cent increase in exhibition space, a 15 per cent rise in the number of visitors, and EUR 230 million in business deals. PLASTEX 2008 will incorporate EGYPLAST 2, a sub-event focusing on the Egyptian plastics product manufacturers and exporters that the main exhibition hosted successfully for the first time in March 2007.