JEDDAH: The GCC paper industry has a market value of about $700 million per year, recent market research showed. At a breakdown, UAE accounts for over $400 million of this, with Saudi Arabia accounting for another $220 million, while Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman account for approximately $65 million between them. Having identified this untapped market, Epoc Messe Frankfurt has recently announced the launch of a new exhibition to its portfolio - Paperworld Middle East. The latest addition to Dubai's calendar of exhibitions, Paperworld Middle East has already confirmed several key industry players as launch partners for its inaugural event which will take place March 7-9, 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. German stationery brand Pelikan, German manufacturers of writing instruments LAMY and Schneider, along with leading worldwide supplier of innovative cutting and measuring products Acme United Europe, greeting card manufacturer Hallmark, and school bags and stationery manufacturer Paxos, have partnered with Paperworld Middle East for the launch of its first edition in the region. Furthermore, local manufacturer Farook International Stationery (FIS), established in Dubai back in 1980, will also present their products at the show. Having 3 manufacturing plants in the UAE, they export their wide range of stationery products to over 80 countries worldwide and are among the pioneers in the Middle East stationery industry. Other local manufacturers include Dubai Library Distributors. Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer at Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organizer of Paperworld Middle East, said: “Having the right partners is a crucial element for launching an exhibition and we are greatful of the support from these key industry players for our inaugural event in March.”
