With the region looking at increasing its downstream capabilities as part of its economic diversification policies, the regional plastics, moulds, printing and packaging industries are virtually untouched by declining oil prices as well as other economic and political headwinds, according to officals at Expo Centre Sharjah.

 

Top executives, who turned up for the opening of a multi-industry trade event at Expo Centre Sharjah, believe that demand from domestic as well as Asian markets is not hit and this will prompt regional industry to continue to invest in advanced production and processing technology to achieve greater efficiency.

 

Expo Centre Sharjah has become a gathering point for the regional plastics, mould-making, printing and packaging industries as the 3rd Plastivision Arabia, 3rd Arabia Mold and 2nd Print Pack Arabia got under way on February 22. 

 

The four-day event was opened by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salim Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The opening ceremony was also attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry,  Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, senior executives of co-organisers All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, DEMAT and Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers' Association, other dignitaries and industry representatives.

 

“There is a renewed focus on the downstream capabilities by regional governments. Besides, the UAE is the least impacted by oil slump because it is the most diversified among oil-exporting countries. The industry is also upbeat because demand for plastics and packaging products has not diminished. Hence, business owners and industrialists are keen to explore innovative technologies and maintain or establish business contacts with suppliers, even if business projects are not rolled out immediately,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

 

Experts also point out that low oil prices will in fact prod the plastics and packaging industries to improve their efficiency and sustainability across all facets of the sector, and in the process keep their products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.

 

Besides, though the UAE’s GDP is expected to grow by nearly 3 per cent in 2016, according to the median forecast by several research reports and consultancies, the manufacturing industry, including plastics processing, printing & packaging, is likely to expand at a rate greater than the GDP growth.

 

An upbeat regional industry is thronging the three shows in order to explore new technology, machinery and processes, as well as assess changing market dynamics that will help improve its efficiency and productivity. The show is featuring 250 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries.

 

Live demonstrations are a big attraction right from day one, giving visitors an opportunity to experience latest technology and materials first hand. The past editions of the show had seen all the machines and equipment on display getting sold out even before the shows were over.

 

Plastivision Arabia is also featuring pavilions from Taiwan, India and China, besides special focus areas such as ‘Plastiworld - The Finished Goods Pavilion’ and ‘Filling & Packaging’ and a Job Fair.

 

Other key highlights will be the ‘Investment in India Summit’ to be held on February 23 at 11 am and the ‘Technical Seminars’ on February 24.

 

The main focus at ArabiaMold this year is 3D technology, where visitors have the opportunity to check out a full range of 3D printers and scanners from leading global manufacturers.

 

Aimed at complementing Print Pack Arabia, the Arab Paper 2016 trade fair as well as a special section on Corrugation Machinery also made their debut.

 

Plastivision Arabia 2016 is organized by Expo Centre Sharjah, in association with All India Plastics Manufacturers Association, and the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It’s being held at Expo Centre Sharjah from February 22 to 25 in 2016, displaying raw materials and machinery for key segments such as plastic processing, injection moulding, thermoforming, packaging, industrial users, construction, infrastructure, automobile and telecommunication, among others.

--Trade Arabia News Service