More than 500 companies will represent 24 countries in an upcoming petrochemical, printing, packaging and plastic (PPPP) industries trade show in Riyadh, said event organisers.

Saudi PPPP 2009 will be held from October 18 to 21 at the newly built Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, one of the region's most advanced exhibition facilities.

'Saudi PPPP 2009 will offer a unique platform for companies to identify and pursue gainful business and investment opportunities that have been unlocked by the Saudi government's proactive efforts in developing its petrochemicals industry,” said Fadi Kaddoura, vice president – sales and marketing, Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), organiser of the event.

“Moreover, Saudi PPPP features a unique combination of four major trade exhibitions, allowing trade visitors and exhibitors to optimise their business potential, and creating exciting possibilities to synergise and build strategic partnerships,” he added.

REC said that Saudi Arabia's groundbreaking petrochemicals projects, estimated to be worth SR172.5 billion ($46 billion), will dramatically increase Saudi Arabia's production capacity and further consolidate the country's position as a leading producer and supplier in the regional and global petrochemicals industry.

This has been further reinforced with the country scoring 74.3 points in the Middle Eastern Petrochemicals Business Environment Rankings matrix.

On the other hand, recent reports have revealed that the Saudi printing industry continues to grow by 15 per cent annually as printing expenditure in Saudi Arabia has been at an all-time high.

At 40 kilograms a head, Saudi Arabia's consumption of plastics rates twice as much as any other GCC country, even as the country's packaging sector accounts for up to 70 per cent of the GCC packaging market, valued at $2 billion.

The leading business-to-business event comprises Saudi Petrochem 2009 – the fourth International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry, Saudi Plas 2009 – the ninth International Plastics Technology Show, Saudi Pack 2009 – the ninth International Packing Machinery and Materials Show; and Saudi Print 2009 – the ninth International Pre-press and Printing Technology Exhibition.

Supported by diamond sponsor Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) and gold sponsor Petro Rabigh,  Saudi PPPP 2009 will also feature a comprehensive range of products manufactured locally in Saudi Arabia, which collectively account for 35 per cent of the total products showcased in the event.

The trade event's confirmed exhibitors now represent a substantial 77.4 per cent increase in participation, while exhibition space has been expanded by 100 per cent to reach 15,000 sq m. – TradeArabia News Service