More than 550 leading exhibitors from over 31 countries are set to take part in Plastex 2008, the 11th international African-Arabian exhibition for plastics industries, to be held from October 23-26, in Cairo, Egypt.

Qatar Petrochemical Co (Qapco) will be the main sponsor of the prestigious event, which is set to gather exhibitors from across Asia, Europe and the Far East, along with various Gulf member countries, who will showcase the latest industry trends and technologies.

'Last year, the event posted a record EUR230 million ($325 million) in business deals; we hope that our support can be influential in surpassing this figure and thus help further boost Egypt’s business and economic activities,” said Dr Mohammed Yousef Al-Mulla, general manager, Qapco.

Plastex this year is expected to attract more than 24,000 visitors from 18 countries.

Organised by ACG-ITF, the event will showcase the latest machinery and equipment, raw materials and auxiliaries, technical parts, reinforced plastics, and plastics industry services.

Held in Cairo every 18 months, it has emerged as the top launching vehicle into the vibrant African-Arab plastics sector, which has benefited significantly from the Middle East’s property and construction boom.

“The development boom sweeping the economically vibrant Mena region has elevated demand for higher-quality plastic products and at much greater quantities,' said Ahmed Mostafa, Plastex project manager, ACG-ITF.-TradeArabia News Service