Nearly 12 per cent of Dubai’s GDP is contributed by converting industries, in which the paper industry constitutes a mere 1.5 to 2 per cent, said Sami Al Qamzi, director general of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED).

He was stressing on the growth potential of the industry in the UAE during the inauguration of Paper Arabia 2010, the first-of-its-kind industry expo, at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre, which will run until September 28.

“Paper industry is developing all over the world, especially in the Middle East. We have high hopes for this industry in Dubai and the potential is really huge, taking into consideration that the UAE is one of the highest consumers of paper in the Arab world,” Al Qamzi said.

On the question on nationalisation of the paper industry, Al Qamzi said that Dubai and the UAE do not impose Emiratisation on any industry, including the paper industry, and the market is filled with people of different nationalities.

He added that the UAE has reduced the challenges facing the growth of this industry, such as the cost of production.

Paper Arabia 2010 is dedicated to the development of the paper, printing and packaging industry in the GCC.

“Producing and printing paper is largely done in the UAE for the entire Arab world and Dubai is a printing house of the region. Dubai has an edge over other producers of paper in speedy delivery, cost-effectiveness and lower freight costs,” stated Satish Khanna, general manager, Al Fajer Information and Services which organises the show.

“The industry has seen major developments over the past few years and, with the exponential rise in its growth potential, leading local and regional players are now in the midst of strategic investment and market expansion,” he added.

Paper Arabia 2010 is bringing together players from the paper, tissue and converting industries. This show offers opportunities to the manufacturers and suppliers of finished products, equipment, machinery, paper chemicals, services, supplies of paper, tissue and converting sector to tap the Middle East and North African markets, he said.

Paper Arabia, with more than 115 exhibitors from 25 countries from across the world, is a key platform for traders and industry players to interact. The show’s participants include leading global names from the UAE, Italy, Jordan, France, China, Netherlands, USA and UK amongst others.-TradeArabia News Service