The first edition of Print Pack Arabia, will be held from April 7 to 10, 2014 at Expo Centre Sharjah. On the occasion of the event a press conference was held on Monday, 24th February. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, and C.P. Paul, General Secretary of the Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA), the co-organiser of the show and Naveen Fernandes, Group Exhibition Manager at Expo Centre Sharjah announced the details of the event. Based on the information provided by the exhibition organizer Print accounted for nearly three-fourths of the total ad spend in the GCC against a global trend where digital platforms are overshadowing the print and other media. Meanwhile printing industry is set to grow to US$7 billion by 2015.
“Globally, innovative products are bringing about quantitative and qualitative changes for the printing and packaging industry, prompting regional firms to upgrade to achieve quick turnarounds. The inaugural Print Pack Arabia 2014 will be one of the finest showcases of latest printing and packaging technologies, machinery, equipment and supplies for the regional market,” said Midfa.
Print Pack Arabia 2014 will also take advantage of the fact that nearly 80 per cent of the UAE’s printing and packaging industry is based in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. In 2013, the market for flexible packaging in the region is valued at US$4 billion. With regional consumption per capita at just one-tenth of Europe, experts point to huge potential for growth.
“The packaging industry too is expecting high growth rates, driven by the region’s growing domestic consumption and diversified exports market,” Midfa added.
Print Pack Arabia has received confirmation of participation from more than 75 manufacturers and distributors, with the UAE accounting for about 40 exhibitors and India 35. It will feature two special pavilions from India and China. The show will also present a knowledge-sharing platform through the Technical Seminars.
“IPAMA, which is the apex body of printing, packaging and allied industries in India, is facilitating the participation of Indian exhibitors and the special pavilion at the inaugural Print Pack Arabia 2014. Through Print Pack Arabia, I am sure Sharjah will take centre stage in the fast-growing printing and packaging industry in the Middle East region,” said Mr. C.P. Paul, General Secretary, and Indian Printing Machinery & Allied Manufacturers Association (IPAMA).
“Print Pack Arabia will be a gateway for Indian manufacturers to tap into the ME printing and packaging market.”
