World's third largest industry to create UAE chapter

These comments were recorded during a presentation made in Dubai today to members of the local packaging industry. The meeting had been arranged to set the foundations for a UAE industry group during a visit to the UAE by a senior delegation from the APF including the organisation's President, Mr Dharmatilake Ratnayake. The initiative was instigated by the organisers of this year's Gulf Pack exhibition, Fairs & Exhibitions Ltd, and took place with representatives from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, along with the fast developing Dubai International Media Production Zone (DIMPZ).

The APF visit to Dubai coincided with their own annual Board Meetings which were held with the support of both Gulf Pack and the DIMPZ. This was the first time the group have visited the Gulf area and, according to Mr Ratnayake, their impressions were very positive.

Commenting on behalf of the DIMPZ, Mohammed Binghalib, Project Director, explained that they are keen to support the packaging industry through all means possible. "The link between packaging and print industries is clear, we will ensure every co-operation is extended to the APF in its ambitions to assist in the formation of an industry group in the same way we already work with around six similar organisations."

DIMPZ will include a cluster of packaging sectors and provides facilities for investors to benefit from its free zones status. These will be on show at the DIMPZ stand at this years Gulf Pack exhibition.

The meeting concluded with a call for the packaging industry to establish a representative 10 - 12 member steering committee. This will include manufactures, converters, end uses and associated industries such as designers and printers. It was also agreed that representatives from a local college, from the DCCI and from the DIMPZ should be invited to participate.

According to Sharla Hancock, project manager of Gulf Pack, "the aim will be to have the first UAE packaging industry group meeting held at this year's show inaugurated by both the President of the APF and the President of the World Packaging Organisation. This year's Gulf Pack exhibition and seminars are set for 19 - 22 September and provide an ideal launch platform for the UAE group."

"In addition to the involvement of the APF & WPO at Gulf Pack, we will seek their involvement with the event's packaging awards," said Ms Hancock.