Qatar Petrochemical Company (Qapco), a leading petrochemical company, has signed up as a principal sponsor for ArabPlast 2011, one of the region's biggest trade shows for rubber, plastics and petrochemicals, to be held from January 8 to 11 in Dubai.

ArabPlast is being organised by Messe Düsseldorf Germany and Al Fajer Information and Services at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

The event is being held at a time when the petrochemical sector has become a key driver of the Gulf economy and one of the bases of economic diversification in GCC countries, said a top official.

"Qapco is a major player in the global petrochemical industry and has a strong track-record of growth and excellence," remarked Dr Mohammed Yousef Al-Mulla, board director and general manager, Qapco. "It has continued expansion, both in production facilities and target markets, he added.

"Qapco has been keen to co-sponsor Arabplast exhibition, and this year we are honored to be the principal sponsor of the event. Our sponsorship stems from its strategic importance, as it highlights the developments of the Petrochemical industry in Middle East and in the world at present and in the future, he stated.

Dr Al-Mulla pointed out that for the last five years, the Gulf region had been the global petrochemical hub and was poised to become the world’s largest producer and exporter of petrochemicals and plastics in the next few years.

"About 30 to 40 per cent of the world’s petrochemical requirements have been supplied and met by the GCC countries," he added.
 
Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer Information and Services said, "In addition to Qapco, the show is sponsored by major GCC industrial companies, such as Borouge, Abu Dhabi Polymers Park, Petro Rabigh, Natpet, MEP UK among others.”

ArabPlast 2011 will showcase latest technologies and track market trends of the Middle East plastics and rubber industry, which continues to be the world's largest exporter, offloading the majority of its output to international markets.

"The growth of this show reflects the high global demand for plastics and its raw materials and of course the machines. The 2011 show has registered a dramatic increase in the number of exhibitors, sponsors and display space," he added.-TradeArabia News Service