Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Mena printing industry value 'to reach $40bn'

The commercial print and package printing industry in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region is expected to expand in market value from $26.8 billion in 2017 to over $40 billion in 2022, at an annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent, according to a report.

The report titled ‘The Future of Printing in the Middle East and North Africa to 2022’ has been published by Smithers Pira, a leading authority on the packaging, print and paper supply chains offering testing and information services to a wide range of industries.

The data contrasts with a mean annual growth of 2.4 per cent for 2012-2017, reflecting the opening of until now underdeveloped countries to the full range of modern print products and technologies.

This expansion, according to the report, is occurring against a more static backdrop for the print industry generally, with annual global growth pegged at a more sober two percent as traditional segments decline.

As a consequence, the Mena region can be seen as an attractive strategic growth target for international print equipment and consumable suppliers.

James Samuel, events portfolio director, Gulf Print and Pack 2017, said: “We have seen a higher number of exhibitors this year from abroad, a testament to the growing significance of the Mena market for commercial and package printers.”

“We are delighted to provide a strong platform for these international exhibitors, as well as local businesses, to connect with strategic partners that will help them take advantage of opportunities across the region,” he added.

HH Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director general of Dubai Department of Information, opened the show and interacted with key exhibitors showcasing their products and solutions for the print and package printing sector.

At this year’s edition of Gulf Print and Pack, currently ongoing in Dubai, the region’s biggest technology show for commercial and package printers, Kodak’s Komal Sharma, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand says the print industry has been in a marginal decline when you look at global print market.

He said: “Packaging and digital print, on the other hand, are growing steadily in double digits. The Middle East market reflects this trend in some ways. We see that print is still viewed as a very cost-effective way to distribute content – one of the most efficient ways of producing an image or diagram in a highly repeatable way with extreme accuracy.”

“Print will remain a valuable medium of communication for both educational and consumer needs. We see opportunities to grow in the Middle East with wide portfolio that helps our customers remain efficient and competitive,” Sharma added.

Gulf Print and Pack 2017 has been the region’s leading platform for companies to showcase the very latest products and solutions aimed at printers, brand owners and designers; and for companies to seek out channel partners or customers to expand their business.

The show is ongoing until March 29, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in Dubai, UAE. – TradeArabia News Service