The increasing plastics and petrochemical projects have positioned this sector as the largest non-oil sector in the Kingdom, with a recorded growth of 5.3% for the current year. Saudi Arabia alone produces nearly 7 percent of the global petrochemical output, becoming the largest exporter in the Middle East and North Africa area. Against this backdrop, the Saudi Plastics & Petrochem 2016 slated on Jan. 18-21 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center will highlight the significance and importance of this sector. The 13th International Plastics & Petrochemicals Trade Fair is one of the strongest and most prominent industrial and investment exhibitions in the region, which brings together decision-makers from this vital sector. The exhibition plays an important role in serving different sectors and a variety of categories, by being the ideal platform to launch new products and services in the promising Saudi market and communicate with individual investors, businessmen and traders. The local recognition and government's support represented by the patronage of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, along with the global recognition earned with the participation of more than 24 countries has contributed to the success of the 13th edition which attracted more than 520 companies this year. This industrial gathering aims at developing the plastics industry and supporting the petrochemical sector in order to make the Kingdom the center of the consumer goods packaging industry and increasing industrial and petrochemical exports to the world. It also encourages and supports foreign investment that will eventually help diversify sources of income with access to more than 400 million consumers in the Middle East, and providing the necessary environment for large scale production, and the establishment of academic relations between industries through the seminars held during the exhibition. Nidal Al-Ghamdi, Director of Public Relations, Saudi Plastics and Petrochemical Exhibition, said "the exhibition is an excellent chance for competitors in the market to showcase their services and products, they will also be able to come up with the best innovative solutions in the sector. This exhibition positively contributes to the promotion of business tourism." He added "we are finalizing the preparations for the scheduled show at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. And we expect the 13th edition to witness a large turnout, as it is held during a significant time, in addition to the efforts exerted by the diamond sponsors, the Saudi Arabia Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), and the National Industrialization Company (Tasnee), and the platinum sponsors, Saudi Polymers Company LLC (SPCo) and the Advanced Petrochemical Company."— SG
