Strong demand from end-use segments such as packaging, construction and food & beverage has placed the regional plastics industry in a high-growth mode, generating tremendous buzz for the inaugural Plastivision Arabia and ArabiaMold shows that got under way today (May 14) at Expo Centre Sharjah.

A key driver of the plastics industry, the packaging sector in the UAE is valued at US$1.84 billion in 2011, registering a growth at a CAGR of 4.27 per cent, according to Global Industry Analysts. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.68 per cent to reach US$2.3 billion in 2016.

The second largest consumer of plastics, the construction sector in the UAE will see nearly US$15 billion worth of contracts awarded in 2012, an increase of 26 per cent from last year, with the total value of current projects standing at US $2.2 trillion, according to Ventures Middle East.

Annual consumer expenditure on food, another key end-user segment, reached US$23.3 billion in the UAE in 2011 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.12 per cent to touch US$33.7 billion in 2016.

The resurgence in these fundamental growth drivers and the excitement it has created in the industry were clearly visible at the launch of Plastivision Arabia and the concurrent show ArabiaMold, which were opened by H. E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salim Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The opening was attended by H.E. M.K. Lokesh, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE; Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah; Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, President, All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA); senior executives from Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AIPMA, DEMAT, Expo Centre Sharjah, government officials and trade representatives.

“To be honest, the response we have received for Plastivision Arabia and ArabiaMold is quite overwhelming. Despite being a launch edition, the number of exhibitors and pre-registered visitors is on the higher side even for an established trade fair. I believe our association with AIPMA and DEMAT, the expanding economy and the overall positive business climate have helped in generating so much interest in the regional and global plastics industry,” said Mr. Al Midfa.

Being held from May 14 to 17, the shows cover an exhibition area of 10,000 square metres featuring 150 exhibitors from 20 countries. They also have one of the highest figures in terms of visitor pre-registration – more than 2,000.

“GCC states are focusing on value addition, from oil economy to polymers and plastic products; and India is willing to support this transition with its industry – the manpower, machines and molds. We see opportunity for GCC and India, where we can co-operate with each other and supplement each other,” said Mr. Jayesh Rambhia, President, AIPMA, the co-organiser of Plastivision Arabia.

The US$25 billion Indian plastics industry has the largest number of exhibitors – nearly half of the total participation, while the rest are from China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iran, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, the UAE and the UK.

“Expo Centre Sharjah has gradually been expanding its calendar of events and Plastivision Arabia & ArabiaMold will be a landmark event both for us and the regional plastics industry. This is an opportunity to effectively tap into the fast-expanding plastics and the dies and moulds industries in the UAE and the region, owing to factors such as low raw material and feedstock prices, logistical advantage and fast industrial growth,” added Mr. Al Midfa.

The biggest group participation at the show is organized by UNIDO ICAMT, the International Centre for the Advancement of Manufacturing Technology (ICAMT), an International Technology Center of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

“We have received an overwhelming response not only from Indian firms but also from overseas exhibitors, thus making this exhibition a global event for the plastics industry,” said Ajay U Desai, Chairman, Plastivision Arabia 2012.

The shows are offering a comprehensive sourcing point for key segments such as plastic processing, injection molding, thermoforming, packaging, industrial users, construction, infrastructure, automobile and telecommunication, among others.

While Plastivision Arabia is featuring leading raw material producers, primary processing and auxiliary equipment suppliers from the region as well as across the world, ArabiaMold, co-organised by DEMAT Fairs & Exhibitions-Germany, is showcasing molding equipment and services such as mold-making tools, filtration instruments, welding equipment, cooling systems and other related industrial machines and accessories.

The dies and moulds industry will be one of the largest beneficiaries of the UAE move to raise the contribution of the industrial sector in the gross domestic product of the country from current 14 per cent to 25 per cent. And, is the first and only exhibition of its kind providing an ideal opportunity for the industry to equip itself to meet the future requirements of this segment.

Plastivision Arabia is also featuring the, ‘Business Opportunity Pavilion’, ‘Expert Consultation Counters’, ‘Green Pavilion’, ‘Recruitment Corner’, apart from the opportunity to take part in the ‘Use or Abuse – You choose’ campaign, where, apart from other activities, visitors can view films on how fantastic plastics is in our daily life.

The event is supported by Borouge (platinum sponsors), UNIPLAS International (silver sponsors), British Plastics Federation, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology-India, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, International Plastic Fair-Japan, Federation of Indian Export Organisations, India-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, JPM, Indo-African Chamber of Commerce, Indo-Arab Chamber of Commerce, PAGDER-Turkey, UNIDO ICAMT, Kaplas-Korea and Society of Plastics Engineers.

The shows are open from 10am to 6pm on May 14, 15 and 16, and on May 17, the last day, the shows will receive visitors from 10am to 4 pm.

Plastivision Arabia & ArabiaMold are organized by Expo Centre Sharjah, in association with AIPMA and DEMAT, and the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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