The global commercial print and package printing industry is looking to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region for future growth. Data from a new report published by Smithers Pira, The Future of Printing in the Middle East and North Africa to 2022, shows the region will collectively expand from $26.8 billion in market value in 2017 at an annual rate of 8.7% to over $40 billion in 2022. This contrasts with a mean annual growth of 2.4 percent for 2012-2017, reflecting the opening of until now underdeveloped countries to the full range of modern print products and technologies. This expansion, according to the report, is occurring against a more static backdrop for the print industry generally, with annual global growth pegged at a more sober two percent as traditional segments decline. As a consequence, the MENA region can be seen as an attractive strategic growth target for international print equipment and consumable suppliers. "We have seen a higher number of exhibitors this year from abroad, a testament to the growing significance of the Middle East and North Africa market for commercial and package printers. We are delighted to provide a strong platform for these international exhibitors, as well as local businesses, to connect with strategic partners that will help them take advantage of opportunities across the region," said James Samuel, Events Portfolio Director, Gulf Print and Pack 2017. Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director General of Dubai Department of Information, opened the show and interacted with key exhibitors showcasing their products and solutions for the print and package printing sector. At this year's edition of Gulf Print and Pack, currently ongoing in Dubai, the region's biggest technology show for commercial and package printers, Kodak's Komal Sharma, Managing Director, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said the print industry has been in a marginal decline when you look at global print market. "Packaging and digital print, on the other hand, are growing steadily in double digits. The Middle East market reflects this trend in some ways. We see that print is still viewed as a very cost-effective way to distribute content – one of the most efficient ways of producing an image or diagram in a highly repeatable way with extreme accuracy. Print will remain a valuable medium of communication for both educational and consumer needs. We see opportunities to grow in the Middle East," he added. The show is ongoing until March 29, 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Xerox sees the Middle East region as one of the most strategically important markets for the company and considers the trade show to be a great platform for strengthening its customer and partner relationships as well as showcasing the brand's latest offerings. The brand launched new machines at the show, ahead of their global roll out, which "underscores the significance of the event to our business throughout the Middle East and Africa," said Pui Chi Li, Head of Marketing, Xerox, MEA which is running a number of demonstrations on demand as well as scheduled demo shows for customers and partners. "We want to create an interactive experience for our customer and partners at this year's exhibition by encouraging them to speak to our experts addressing all types of questions and queries they may have. We believe they will have a very good opportunity to learn about new products that are designed to address their specific business needs. Our main focus is always directed at designing technologies and solutions that will allow our customers to focus on their real business," added Chi. Meanwhile, Italy-based Novurania says the printing industry is going through a challenging phase globally but as more and more technologies are developed and launched, new opportunities are emerging. "New trends and technologies are paving the way for new business, but it is especially in the Middle East and North Africa where we are seeing the best potential for growth. Demand is rising along with growing economies, which will spur the need for commercial printing and package printing services," said Vishwas Dharm, Regional Manager, Sales & Technical Support. Gulf Print and Pack 2017 has been the region's leading platform for companies to showcase the very latest products and solutions aimed at printers, brand owners and designers; and for companies to seek out channel partners or customers to expand their business. — SG
