1-4 September, 2006 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India
    UAE Packaging Industry Constitutes Association


The packaging industry in the UAE formed an association with the help of International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) to support the local industry. The new body will initially be resourced by IMPZ and have a permanent presence within the 38 million square free zone complex.

The association was launched with the guidance of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) on the third day of the region’s largest packaging exhibition Gulf Pack 2004 at Dubai Airport Expo. The basic structure of the association has been set up and the industry has got a platform. Members’ selection will be done within a month.

The acting committee members include Printers Association Chairman Ahmad Bin Hussan Ali Shaikh, Ali Al Hashemi Trading Est. Vice President Mohammad Al Hashemi, Me Printer’s Eskandar Jahanbani and IMPZ Director of Operations Hamad Al Huraiz. The aim to create this organisation is to have a forum for the region’s packaging industry. The development of a substantial database, identification of market trends and opportunities are part of the new entity’s early intensions. The group will serve as a hub where individuals and corporate members can network with one another to exchange information about the industry.

Early estimates put the Gulf packaging market at around 5% of the $500 billion global market but say the regional market is growing at a higher average rate.

The Gulf Packaging Association will host a major convention at next year’s Gulf Pack exhibition in association with the WPO. It will also seek to expand the packaging design awards by including additional categories. The next step of the organisation is to host a regional meeting where the industry can mutually agree on the association’s contribution and form a working committee.

In line with its participation at Gulf Print 2004, IMPZ encouraged the industry to support the new initiative. It also secured WPO’s endorsement. WPO Secretary General Dr Carl Olsmats pledged his support for the IMPZ initiative during his visit to Gulf Print and Gulf Pack Exhibition.

Date: 03-Nov-2004

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