GCC paper mills launch Gulf Paper Industry Association to boost fledging paper industry

The formation of the new association was announced on the concluding day of Paper Arabia 2009. The GPIA will be headquartered in Bahrain. It seeks to make a meaningful contribution to creating a non-oil economy in the Gulf as well as provide employment opportunities to GCC nationals. GPIA will also support governmental initiatives on environmental issues by way of recycling waste paper generated locally.

Paper Arabia 2009, the first-of-its-kind industry expo at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre concluded today Thursday (October 29, 2009) and attracted over 5000 trade visitors.

Mr. Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services, organizers of the show, said:

"The setting up of the industry body for furthering the interests of the paper industry in the region is a development that will give a real shot in the arm for the region's paper industry. The fact that they used Paper Arabia 2009 as the platform to launch the initiative reflects the standing of the exhibition."

Officials from the participating companies were upbeat about the industry and expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to network with key players.

Mrs. Sonia Bernicchi, Export Manager for (ICP) Industria Cartaria Pieretti, said: "Paper Arabia reinforced its status as a premier exhibition that serves as a window to the paper industry in the region. We have made important contacts here. We expect the paper industry in the GCC to boom in the coming months."

Sanjay Misra, Managing Director, Orient Links Co.(L.L.C) commented: "The exhibition has opened doors to a whole new set of clients, making our presence in this exhibition very fruitful. The UAE has certainly emerged as a leader in the production and distribution of quality paper. Paper Arabia 2009 served as the ideal platform for promoting ourselves in this huge market."

Mr. Devesh Khaitan, Director of Projects, Kingsley Industries Limited, said: "Paper Arabia 2009 was beneficial for us because, through the contacts we have gained, we can now focus our energies on making inroads in this promising market. Moreover, Dubai which is now globally known is the right place to do business."

Khanna expressed satisfaction at the participation that, according to him, exceeded all expectations.

"Paper Arabia has become an important event on Dubai's annual calendar of events. The new solutions displayed were welcomed by local, regional and international companies in light with the rapid growth of paper, tissue and converting sector in the Middle East and North Africa regions".

Khanna added: "Paper Arabia 2009 has succeeded in contributing effectively to the development of the paper, printing and packaging industry in the GCC. The show reflected our efforts in highlighting key regional industry segments which have been contributing to the economic growth. The industry has seen major developments over the past few years and, with the exponential rise in its growth potential, leading local and regional players are now in the midst of strategic investment and market expansion."

Paper Arabia 2009 brought together players from the paper, tissue and converting industry. This show offers opportunities to the manufacturers and suppliers of finished products, equipment, machinery, paper chemicals, services, supplies of paper, tissue and converting sector to tap the Middle East and North African markets.

Paper Arabia, with more than 130 exhibitors from 20 countries from across the world, enhanced its position as a key platform for traders and industry players to interact. The show's participants included leading global names from the UAE, Italy, Jordan, France, China, Netherlands USA and UK amongst other countries.