Industry heads East ahead of largest plastics show in MENA region

Defined as the largest plastics, petrochemicals and rubber industry trade show in the MENA countries, ARABPLAST 2015 describes itself as the “fastest” way to enter the vast region’s plastics, petrochemicals and rubber industries. 

The show markets the opportunities it offers an international audience as an event that provides “a greater leverage” to international exhibitors and trade visitors with decision-making authority, inviting them to “seize the opportunity” to make partnerships and lucrative business deals.

“It’s the perfect venue to showcase your products and innovations, develop contacts and sign profitable partnerships,” said the organisers, Al Fajar Information and Services.

The plastics industry is benefiting strongly from Gulf Countries drive towards “green buildings” in the recent years. There is continuous growth in the plastics converting industry, with substantial expansion of polymer production in the Middle East. This makes the region a major market for plastic additives.

 The UAE’s massive drive to build one of the world’s most advanced infrastructures has fuelled demand for plastics products, from tubes to cables and wires.     

The automotive and medical industries in the region are also seeing the benefits brought by plastics in terms of light weighting and health and safety.

During the last outing in 2013, Arabplast grew 34 percent, following greater response from exhibitors and sponsors. A record number of 794 companies from 41 countries participated in the event. Philip Law, Director General of the British Plastics Federation, said: “We believe Arabplast is a great place to access not only Middle Eastern customers but also African, Indian, Chinese, Pakistani and Bangladeshi users. We think there are huge opportunities for our member firms out there, not only through large infrastructure projects such as the World Cup 2022 in Doha, but also in the packaging and recycling markets amongst others.”

Law also said that quality of visitors that attend Arabplast is “noticeably high” with many expressing a “serious willingness to invest in high quality machinery and specialist materials.”