The $30 billion Indian printing and packaging industry is keen to explore better business opportunities in the UAE and the rest of the region, according to a Sharjah official.

Mohamed Salim Al Mosharrekh, board member, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was speaking after returning from a recent trip to India to attend the silver jubilee celebrations of the Indian Printing, Packaging & Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (IPAMA)

"The silver jubilee celebrations of IPAMA were held in Amritsar, considered the main hub of the printing and packaging industry in India, where industry leaders, entrepreneurs and bureaucrats had converged in impressive numbers. It became the perfect platform to announce the launch of Print Pack Arabia 2014, which will be jointly organised by IPAMA and Expo Centre Sharjah," said Al Mosharrekh.

Expo Centre Sharjah had joined hands with IPAMA in July this year to launch Print Pack Arabia from April 7 to 10, 2014. Aimed at giving a leg-up to the Middle East printing and packaging industry, Print Pack Arabia will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah alongside the second Plastivision Arabia.

"During the event, the visiting Sharjah team was flooded with enquiries about the market here, scope for joint ventures in the country and the region, distribution channels and re-export possibilities," added Al Mosharrekh.

"Many of the participants at the silver jubilee celebrations are expected to participate or visit the upcoming Print Pack Arabia 2014," he added.

The printing industry is the 12th largest in India in terms of output. Globally, the printing and packaging industry’s turnover is expected to touch $500 billion in five years, as against $347 billion now.

In India, the turnover is expected to hit $30 billion this year, according to IPAMA figures.

"The UAE today is one of the biggest hubs for re-export. Hence the packaging industry is a lucrative sector for Indian manufacturers to tap into. With Print Pack Arabia, a new business chapter will open for Indian printing and packaging machinery players to take advantage of this high-potential market," said KS Khurana, IPAMA president.

The silver jubilee celebrations were inaugurated by Al Mosharrekh, who was accompanied by Sandeep Bolar, project manager, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Print pack Arabia will play a significant role in highlighting new technology regional printing companies need to acquire to achieve the quality and speed required in a sector that seeks quick turnarounds. With IPAMA, we are further cementing our links with India and our centuries-old cultural, religious and economic relations," Al Mosharrekh told the gathering.

IPAMA represents 80 per cent of the graphic arts industry in India and organises Print Pack India, the world’s fourth largest and one of the biggest exhibitions of its kind in Asia. With 226 direct members, IPAMA is recognised by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry and plays a vital role in formulating standards for Indian printing and packaging industry products.