Dubai packaging forum earns industry praise

Salam Enterprises chief executive Rahal Salam says: 'We definitely back the idea of a representative committee as has taken place in Dubai. All over the world it is difficult to obtain expertise in the area of packaging. The committee is very good idea.'

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry's new representative panel for packaging and the high-profile PackTech International expo', which starts here tomorrow (Sunday) and runs until January 15, 'are substantial steps in the right direction,' according to Salam.

All countries need packaging institutions, especially in the areas of training, maintenance and after-sales service, according to Salam, adding that packaging is 'a major concept of any product and it has been overlooked too long.'

Salam Enterprises is making its debut at PackTech which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Salam says it will be the start of the firm's push into the Gulf market. The company is represented in the Gulf by Eastern Falcon Co. of Dubai.

'We will see the response to our products at PackTech and activate our marketing accordingly,' says Salam.

Salam Enterprises makes all types of packaging machines for solids and liquids as well as material for the products. It will introduce its liquid and granule packaging machines at PackTech.

PackTech is backed by the influential UK-headquartered Confederation of Organisers of Packaging Exhibitions (COPE). Industry groups from as far afield as Taiwan, Turkey and China are taking part.

Apparatus on display ranges from tarpaulin production to bag sealing and cutting equipment, carton adjusters, blow film machines, aluminum foil sealers as well as labelers and date-coders.

Analysts say the Middle East packaging sector is growing at between 15-20 per cent a year. PackTech International was last held in 2000 and attracted 5,000 visitors from 44 countries.

Fairs and Exhibitions (1992) Ltd. (F&E) organises PackTech International as well as the PrinTech/PubliTech printing and publishing industry shows which run simultaneously.

F&E says demand has reached such a level that the packaging, printing and publishing shows are likely to be staged on an annual basis.

'The packing industry is really on the move,' says Sharla Hancock, F&E project manager. 'The growth couldn't be healthier. It is also noteworthy that the new packing sector panel in Dubai is receiving such high praise in Pakistan. It further illustrates that such initiatives are welcome and necessary.'


ends