The latest technologies and machinery aimed at meeting growing demand for plastics products in the Mena region will be on display at Plastex 2008, the 11th International African-Arabian Exhibition for Plastics Industries, to be held in Cairo.

It is the largest international plastics trade fair in Mena, providing a major marketing platform for machinery and equipment, raw materials and auxiliaries, technical parts and other plastics industry related services.

Plastex, which is being organised by ACG-ITF, will be held from October 23 to 26 at the Cairo Fair ground.

ACG-ITF has confirmed the participation of 550 exhibitors from 31 countries and expects around 24,000 trade visitors from 18 countries to explore the 22,000 square metres of exhibition space featured in this year’s edition.

Exhibitors from the leading manufacturing countries such as Germany, Italy, France, Japan, UK, US, China, India, Taiwan and Turkey will unveil their technical solutions to the burgeoning Mena demand for plastics manufacturing machinery and raw materials.

The Gulf in particular has emerged as a highly active market, with volume of consumption expected to grow to 3.2 million tonnes from the current 2.3 million tonnes.

Average per capita consumption of plastics products in the region is expected to reach 78 kg per annum by 2012, compared to around 67 kg in 2006, thus necessitating the expansion of both the number and capabilities of plastic manufacturing plants.

The exhibition is expected to play a major role in this industry challenge as it will be hosting the biggest names in regional and international plastic machinery manufacturers and raw material providers.

Hany Khafagy, travel department manager, ACG-ITF, said: 'We have paid extra attention to ensure that our exhibitors, visitors and guests have access to the best services and amenities during this event.'

Qatar Petrochemical Co., the leading global producer and supplier of petrochemicals, mainly low density polylethene and ethylene substances, will act as the exhibition’s main sponsor.-TradeArabia News Service