GCC plastics and machinery industries remain robust despite global financial slowdown with a double digit growth and investments in plastics and tube industries on the upswing. These industries defy the global financial crisis as investors shift their sights to industrial investments that are safer and more promising, industry leaders said at a press conference on Wednesday in Dubai to announce the opening of Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 exhibitions on Jan. 10-13 at Dubai International Exhibition Center. Arabplast 2009 is sponsored by Qatar Petrochemical Co. (QAPCO), Abu Dhabi Polymers Park and Borouge. Satish Khanna, general manager of Al Fajer Information & Services, co-organizer of both exhibitions, underscored the significance of the plastics sector which attracted $5 billion investments last year in GCC with over 1,253 industrial units operating in the Gulf. He said “plastics industry now accounts for 10.6 percent of the total manufacturing in GCC, of which percent investment is plastics and petrochemicals and this sector employs over 9 percent of the total work force in the GCC.” The region's leading international exhibitions on plastic, rubber, industrial machines, metal works, tubes and pipes are once again geared to host some of the biggest players in the 18th year. Khanna added: “GCC Plastics industry grew fivefold in 1995-2007. In 1990 there were only 326 plastics manufacturers, with an investment of $ 932 million with strength of 17,500 workforce. The designated capacity of GCC in plastic production was 2.3 million tons last year where it was 0.50 million ton in 1990.” Both exhibitions will feature the latest technology while simultaneously offering an interactive platform for key industry players. The rich source of raw materials such as petrochemicals and a demand projection of double digit growth in plastic rubber and tubes sectors in this region, will significantly contribute to the growth of both exhibitions.” Middle East companies specialized in plastics, petrochemicals and tubes will continue their efforts in building a global marketing and supply chain network that strives on excellence in customers' services and outstanding products' quality. These companies will use the show to reaffirm their leading position in meeting the rapidly increasing demands for these products. Amid the global financial crisis, the UAE manufacturing sector grew at 15 percent in the first three quarters of 2008 - a phenomenon that is pushing a growing number of existing companies and new investors to take advantage of the city's business-friendly environment, according to experts. Further, the rising demand for tube products and the setting up of numerous industries is fuelling the growth in these markets, acting as a magnet for investing in regional and international industrial centers. “Arabplast's profile as one of the most successful international trade fairs focused on plastics, plastic packaging and processing and rubber industry has been raised remarkably through out the years with multi billion dollar deals have been closed through out the eight editions of the show. A series of global players are eager to make an entry into the Middle East market despite the credit crunch and will present the dynamics of plastics and rubber development to visiting trade professionals mainly from all across the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian sub-continent,” Khanna noted. Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009 have attracted 900 exhibitors representing 34 countries at a total area of 35,000 sq. m. Overall exhibition has grown in exhibitor area occupancy by 25 percent to last edition. The overwhelming registration from exhibitors is a confirmation that the Middle East and especially Dubai and the Gulf are not affected by the crisis as it is exaggerated in the global media,” said Joerg Duebelt, head of International Messe Duesseldorf GmbH, Messe Duesseldorf GmbH, one of the leading trade fair organizers in Germany, and co-organizer of Arabplast and Tekno/Tube Arabia 2009. The Middle East market is a vibrant market where all areas of technology, tubes, plastics, industrial machinery and metals are being used in a vast number of applications. __
