Gulf region attracts $5bn investments in plastics

This scenario was highlighted at a press conference to announce the opening of Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 exhibitions which will be held from 10th to 13th January, 2009, at Dubai International Exhibition Center.

Arabplast 2009 is sponsored by Qatar Petrochemical Co. (QAPCO), Abu Dhabi Polymers Park and Borouge.

Addressing the media, Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, co-organizer of both exhibitions underscored the significance of the plastics sector which attracted $5bn investments last year in GCC with over 1,253 industrial units operating in the Gulf.

Khanna added: "Plastics industry now accounts for 10.6% of the total manufacturing in GCC, of which 4% investment is plastics and petrochemicals and this sector employs over 9% of the total work force in the GCC."

The region's leading international exhibitions on plastic, rubber, industrial machines, metal works, tubes and pipes are once again geared to host some of the biggest players in the 18th year.

Khanna added: "GCC Plastics industry grew fivefold in 1995-2007. In 1990 there were only 326 plastics manufacturers, with an investment of $932m with strength of 17,500 work force. The designated capacity of GCC in plastic production was 2.3 million tons last year where it was 0.50 million ton in 1990."

Both exhibitions will feature the latest technology while simultaneously offering an interactive platform for key industry players. The rich source of raw materials such as petrochemicals and a demand projection of double digit growth in plastic rubber and tubes sectors in this region, will significantly contribute to the growth of both exhibitions.

Khanna added: "Arabplast's profile as one of the most successful international trade fairs focused on plastics, plastic packaging and processing and rubber industry has been raised remarkably through out the years with multi billion dollar deals have been closed through out the eight editions of the show. A series of global players are eager to make an entry into the Middle East market despite the credit crunch and will present the dynamics of plastics and rubber development to visiting trade professionals mainly from all across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent."

Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 have attracted 900 exhibitors representing 34 countries at a total area of 35,000 sq. m. Overall exhibition has grown in exhibitor area occupancy by 25% to last edition.

The overwhelming registration from exhibitors is a confirmation that the Middle East and especially Dubai and the Gulf are not affected by the crisis as it is exaggerated in the global media." Said Joerg Duebelt, Head of International Messe Duesseldorf GmbH, Messe Duesseldorf GmbH, one of the leading trade fair organizers in Germany, and co-organizer of Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009.

The Middle East market is a vibrant market where all areas of technology, tubes, plastics, industrial machinery and metals are being used in a vast number of applications.

Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 will offer visitors access to a wide spectrum of technological innovations in the plastics, packaging, rubber, chemical and polymer and petrochemical, tubes and pipes, industrial machinery & machine tools, metal working machinery and welding machinery industries.

"Dubai has successfully emerged as the regional hub of the Middle East markets. We felt the keenness of the overseas exhibitors to build business relations with trade visitors from the Middle East in an effort to widen their scope of business. They found this part of the world emerging, therefore lucrative for their international operations," said Duebelt
Messe Dusseldorf GmbH for the third edition have teamed up with Al Fajer for Arabplast and second time for Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 in facilitating support from exhibiting companies from 34 countries.

Also, national pavilions are participating in the shows like Germany, Austria, UK, Italy, Iran, Egypt, Korea, India while country group participation from China, Turkey, Taiwan, besides considerable individual companies from many countries.

Duebelt, added: "Exhibitors' optimism towards Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 has grown considerably. This positive mood marked by record number of exhibitors attendance besides new country participations and display of best of breed technology, machinery and products is confirmed at the region's leading trade fairs for Plastics and tube Industries.

Middle East companies specialized in plastics, petrochemicals and tubes will continue their efforts in building a global marketing and supply chain network that strives on excellence in customers' services and outstanding products' quality. These companies will use the show to reaffirm their leading position in meeting the rapidly increasing demands for these products.
Amidst the global financial crisis, the UAE manufacturing sector grew at 15 per cent in the first three quarters of 2008 - a phenomenon that is pushing a growing number of existing companies and new investors to take advantage of the city's business-friendly environment, according to experts.

Further, the rising demand for tube products and the setting up of numerous industries is fuelling the growth in these markets, acting as a magnet for investing in regional and international industrial centers.

Khanna added: "Throughout nearly a decade, Tekno/Tube Arabia has given players in the manufacturing delivery chain the opportunity to exchange products, services and expertise. More importantly, each year our exhibitors bring new innovations that can help raise the standards for the manufacturing industry in the region."

There was a strong demand for machinery and industrial equipment, and in the Gulf region alone demand is expected to grow at 20 percent annually.

Phillip Knight, Executive Secretary, International Tube Association (ITA), said:

"It is a given that Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 is the largest and most important regional exhibition for the industry, an event which is visited by a wide array of the world's tube and pipe customers. The ITA is glad to offer unwavering support for the most established exhibition in the region, an event which we consider the key gateway to the extremely important Gulf and Middle East markets."