IN a significant development for the regional petrochemicals sector, Sharjah in the UAE is set to host a high-profile industry gathering targeting plastic converters.

In association with the industry body Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), Expo Centre Sharjah will play host to the fifth International Conference for Plastics Conversion (GPCA PlastCon 2014) from April 7 to 10, 2014.

GPCA PlastCon 2014 will be an integral part of the second international plastics, printing and packaging exhibition Plastivision Arabia 2014, the premier biennial event that made the regional petrochemicals industry sit up and take notice with its very first edition in 2012.

“We tied up with All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA), the oldest and the largest apex body of the plastic industry in India, for the launch of Plastivision Arabia in 2012 and the result was the phenomenal success of the launch edition. Now, for its second edition, along with AIPMA, Plastivision Arabia will have a formidable new partner, the GPCA, which is known as the voice of the region’s petrochemicals and chemicals industry,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director-general, Expo Centre Sharjah.

GPCA PlastCon 2014 will focus on the Gulf polymer industry and the main challenges and developments in plastic conversion today, bringing together all major players with an interest in this key industry sector.

According to GPCA figures, the GCC petrochemicals and chemicals capacity is forecast to reach 191.2 million tonnes by 2020, a staggering 50 per cent increase from the 129.2 million tonnes recorded in 2012.

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In 2012, petrochemicals production capacity in the GCC  increased by 6 per cent, despite a slowdown in global markets due to the recession in Europe, inventory discrepancies and a deterioration in manufacturing, according to the GPCA Annual Report 2012.

“The Gulf petrochemical and chemical industry is significant to the region’s economic growth and development, contributing towards the non-oil GDP of the region in a big way. Through GPCA PlastCon 2014, we aim to further educate the industry through our conference and seminars, with the event being a one-stop shop for potential plastic processors who can not only procure machines on the show floor but also learn more about the latest technology and industry developments through the conference,” said Dr Abdulwahab Al Sadoun, secretary general, GPCA.

GPCA PlastCon 2014 will also aim to support GPCA’s objective of offering industry-relevant events that serve as an integral platform for its members and stakeholders and help them debate and discuss relevant issues.

“We will create perfect synergy as the trio of AIPMA-GPCA-Expo Centre Sharjah will work under the guidelines of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in bringing together and working for the empowerment of the regional plastic industry through the exhibition and conference,” said Dr Asutosh Gor, president-AIPMA.

The launch edition of Plastivision Arabia in 2012 brought together 150 exhibitors from 19 countries and attracted 7,000 visitors from 66 countries. It also achieved the unique distinction of seeing all machines on display being sold out. Despite being a launch edition, the number of exhibitors and pre-registered visitors, according to industry observers, was on the higher side even for an established show.