March 09, 2005

Exhibitors at the Ninth International African Arabian Exhibition for Plastics, Chemicals and Rubber Machinery and Products, PLASTEX 2005, which will be held at Cairo Fair Ground in Egypt from May 26-29, 2005, are expecting significant gains from this year's trade fair, as it will focus on the need for technological innovations required to maintain market competitiveness. The exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for multinational companies to access the enormous market of Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

PLASTEX is known to be the leading specialised exhibition of its kind in the region, organised by ACG. The exhibition is held every eighteen months and this year it is expected to attract more than 300 exhibitors representing all segments of the plastic and rubber industry. As the previous editions of the show in the region have been very successful, the exhibition is considered as the meeting point for exhibitors to finalise their deals, appoint their agents and distributors and introduce their new products and technologies to the region.

"PLASTEX 2005 is designed to help exhibitors and visitors discover the potential markets around the Middle East, Asia and Africa. With the Middle East plastic and rubber industry projected to record an annual growth of 30 per cent over the next five years, a large number of investors would be keen to tap this lucrative market. The exhibition also provides an excellent platform for manufacturers, suppliers, traders, distributors, investors and consumers to know the latest technologies, innovations and trends prevailing in the market," said Ahmed Ghozzi, Chairman, ACG.


"PLASTEX 2005 provides a good opportunity for exhibitors to target the entire MENA region with their new technologically advanced products. Industries across the region are realising the need to adopt innovative technology in order to maintain their market competitiveness. Trade fairs like PLASTEX also facilitate networking at various levels, which prove to be mutually beneficial," said Ahmed Mostafa, Project Manager, ACG.

"Many of the exhibitors participate in the show with a primary goal of tapping the growing Middle East market. This region has witnessed an encouraging growth rate in the plastic and rubber industry over the past few years. PLASTEX 2005 will not only help in promoting various technological innovations but also make participants aware of the latest industry trends, especially considering the fact that exhibitors from 35 countries will participate in this year's exhibition," said Rabab Ahmed, International Sales Manager, ACG.

Egypt is one of the major importers of plastics. Almost 83 per cent of its plastics are imported while the rest is produced locally. The plastic industry in Egypt is growing steadily and becoming increasingly modernised. In 2003, Egypt consumed plastic materials and resins worth nearly US$ 1.65 billion. With more factories being established, demand is expected to further grow at 10 per cent annually for the next three years.

"The versatility of plastic makes the plastic industry one of the most heterogeneous industries and it is linked to a number of economic sectors. The industry continues to grow rapidly, especially the packaging segment has seen a very high potential for growth. Plastic packaging alternatives are beginning to displace multi-wall paper bags in many applications. Exhibitions like PLASTEX 2005 will throw light on advanced technologies in plastic resins, plastic films and other equipments that will enable production of high quality goods," concluded Ghozzi.

The exhibition is the only event of its kind in the region and has been significantly growing in strength. Since its launch in 1993, more and more exhibitors and visitors have been attending PLASTEX. Around 242 regional and foreign exhibitors apart from more than 13,000 visitors participated in PLASTEX 2003 and this year more than 18,000 visitors are expected to take part in the expo. The forthcoming fair will draw visitors representing all sections of the industry: importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and traders, manufacturing industry, government ministries and chambers of commerce and industry. Egypt is strategically located to cater to the Middle East and North African markets and holding the exhibition will provide an ideal platform for the exhibitors to focus on the regional market.

ACG has been organising high profile international exhibitions like ITCE, the leading exhibition for Textile, Embroidery & Sewing Machinery & Accessories and AUTOMECH, the biggest 'Vehicles, Buses, Motorcar workshops, Automobile Spare Parts & Accessories Exhibition' in the region, in addition to some other successful international trade business exhibitions.

-Ends-

About PLASTEX 2005
PLASTEX is Middle East and North Africa's premier exhibition for Plastics, Chemicals and Rubber Machinery & Products. The exhibition is the only event of its kind in the region and has been significantly growing in strength since its launch in 1993. Leading multinational companies with products ranging from chemicals and resins to moulds and dies are provided access to the enormous market of the region. More than 300 exhibitors from over 22 countries participate in the annual event. ACG, leading trade events organizers in the MENA region, will organize the exhibition, which will be held from May 26-29, 2005 at Cairo Fair Ground, Egypt. For more information visit www.plastex-online.com or contact Rabab Ahmed at int.sales@acg-itefairs.com

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© Press Release 2005