The UAE and the Gulf countries are set to become one of the world's largest sources of petrochemicals and plastics products as the oil-producing countries invest heavily in downstream petrochemicals, said a news report.

According to latest statistics, the polyethylene production capacities in the GCC will increase from 10.7 million tonnes in 2009 to 21.5m tonnes by 2015.

The production of polypropylene will also increase from 4.8 million tonnes in 2009 to 9.5 million tonnes by 2015, an increase of 98 per cent.

This will bring the combined production capacities of the two major polyolefin resins to more than 31 million tonnes.

The region's rising stature in petrochemicals and plastics sectors will be seen at ArabPlast Exhibition, a leading trade show for rubber, plastics and plastic processing in the Middle East, which runs from January 8 to 11 in Dubai.

Abu Dhabi-baased Borouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, is a key sponsor at the event.

Advanced solutions and technology for pipe systems, wire and cables, automotive components and advanced packaging will be displayed on the Borouge stand, said its top official.

'The fast growing polyolefin market offers Borouge remarkable business opportunities over the next 10 years and beyond,' remarked Borouge's senior vice-president for Middle East Hussain Sultan Lootah.

'To support further development of innovative plastics solutions, Borouge is currently investing in a new innovation centre in Abu Dhabi and has recently expanded the annual capacity of its plant at Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, to 2 million tonnes of polyolefins.'

'With the introduction of 2.5 million tonnes by mid-2014, the annual capacity of the plant will be further expanded to 4.5 million tonnes,' Lootah said.

According to him, this year's show will see a record number of companies taking part, a reflection on the growing importance attached by GCC countries to strengthening their manufacturing industries, including plastics and rubber sector.

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.

'A major highlight will be a ground-breaking solution for large diameter pipelines for industrial projects which supports our customers, design consultants and pipe producers to provide large diameter polyolefins pipes for number of industrial projects in the region,' said Khalfan Al Muhairi, application marketing manager to the pipe business unit.

Companies from Taiwan, the US, Turkey, Egypt, Canada, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, China, Switzerland, Spain, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, India and Iran are taking part in the show.-TradeArabia News Service