The paper consumption in the UAE is among the highest in the world with annual growth of 5 to 6 per cent, said an expert on the sidelines of  'Paper Arabia 2011,' expo which opened in Dubai on Sunday.

A first-of-its-kind exhibition for paper, printing and packaging industries, "Paper Arabia 2011," was inaugurated by Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair, chairman, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The expo, which will draw more than 150 exhibitors from 25 countries, is a key platform for traders and industry players to interact. It will continue until September 20, said the event organisers, Al Fajer Information and Services.

Speaking at the launch, Al Ghurair said the paper industry was still evolving in the UAE, and it served the entire region and Africa.

According to the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, one of the biggest associations in the world specializing in paper, the per capita annual consumption of paper in the UAE is 200 kg, against the global average consumption of 60 kg.

This is a significant figure for the UAE with a small population, when contrasted with a country like India where the per capita consumption is mere 9 kg. UAE’s consumption is on par with Italy and Spain, remarked Suresh Kilam, association vice chairman.

In 2010, the UAE consumed 3.5 million tons of paper, against 18 million tons in the entire Middle East region and 450 million tons globally in 2010, he stated, citing reports.

The A4 paper led the demand for paper in the UAE, and the overall growth in paper consumption was between 5 and 6 per cent where 12 paper mills operates in the country, he added.

Talking about the importance of using latest technologies in saving production costs, Kilam said that China was adopting new technologies to cut costs by almost half.

According to Kilam, the global consumption of paper was poised to reach 495 million tons in 2020.
 
'Chinese paper and pulp industry will reach 168 million tons in 2020, 22 million of which will be exported outside Chinese markets, with the Middle East getting the bulk of these exports in the absence of antidumping policies,' he noted.

Chinese production, he said, was 92 tons in 2010 compared with 32 tons in 2001.

North American paper market is shrinking at 1.8 per cent yearly, and same applies to Western Europe market,' he added.

On the tissue industry in the region, Kilam said that it was growing rapidly. There were 4 major machines in 2010, against only one in 2000.

Paper Arabia aims to bring together players from the paper, tissue and converting industries, said organisers.

“Paper industry is developing all over the world, especially in the Middle East. We have high hopes for this industry in Dubai and the potential is really huge,' remarked Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer Information and Services.

“Paper industry in the region has grown significantly and the event reflects our efforts to highlight key regional industry segments,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service