Show must go on...

Last month as a chance for the regional plastics players to congregate and congratulate on past performances and future projects at the ninth Arab Plastic and Rubber Industry Trade Show, otherwise known as Arabplast.

The event was a showcase for an ever expanding industry in the region, which saw companies and clients converge to discuss opportunities in the volatile polymer market.

Unfortunately, however, it seems that even the humble halls of the exhibition event are being hit by monetary morose, as footfall at Arabplast was lower than anticipated.

Speaking to the many exhibitors at this year's event, optimism still abounds in face of the credit crunch and low visitor numbers, and the belief that the Middle East will become the largest producer and exporter of petrochemicals and plastics is still the view the majority abide by. For many it is just a matter of riding out the storm, as the rough seas will inevitably calm - just how long though is anyone's guess.

What is unquestionable is that every industry in the region has now felt the force of the global economic slowdown. But the resolve is stronger than ever by those expanding their business in the Middle East, and the prospect of price stability and a return to rising levels of petrochemical and refined goods demand is keeping everyone excited by their future in the region.

Among the highlights from Arabplast ‘09, polyolefin producer Borouge was on hand to announce that it will triple production capacity to two million tonnes per annum and will open more distribution hubs to reach its expanding client portfolio.

It is this bullish approach that shows that confidence is still burning brightly, and that investments will keep on coming - check out our Arabplast section to get more news and views from the exhibition floor. Other highlights to look out for include a look at the steel market, and how price fluctuations are impacting the sector.

Also this month, we hope you will enjoy our brand new back page feature in our print issue of Petrochemicals Middle East, which looks at an exciting new product from the world of plastics and petrochemicals. Expect some pretty weird and wonderful innovations in forthcoming months...

Matthew Scotland is the deputy editor of Petrochemicals Middle East.

Print | Email | Discuss this article

| Share |

READERS' COMMENTS

Click here to post a comment

Add your Comment All posts are sent to the administrator for review and are published only after approval. ArabianBusiness.com reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Arabian Business would like to point out that only comments relevant to the story will be published. Any containing personal insults or inappropriate language will not be approved.
Name *
Remember me on this computer
Email *	(Your email address will not be published)
City
Country
Subject *
Comment *
Notify me of further comments
Enter the words above *
Please click post only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM