THE regional printing industry is expecting a growth surge as it continues to attract most of the nearly $5 billion advertising spend, while a rise in World Expo 2020-related investment will throw up greater opportunities.

Print accounted for nearly three-fourths of the total ad spend in the GCC against a global trend where digital platforms are overshadowing the print and other media.

Aimed at highlighting opportunities in the regional printing and publishing industry that is set to grow to $7 billion by 2015, Expo Centre Sharjah is launching a new trade event, Print Pack Arabia, scheduled for April 7 to 10, 2014, and held concurrently with the second Plastivision Arabia.

A press conference was addressed by Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, CP Paul, general secretary of the Indian Printing, Packaging and Allied Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (Ipama), co-organiser of the show. and Naveen Fernandes, group exhibition manager, B2B at Expo Centre Sharjah.

“Globally, innovative products are bringing about quantitative and qualitative changes for the printing and packaging industry, prompting regional firms to upgrade to achieve quick turnarounds. The inaugural Print Pack Arabia 2014 will be one of the finest showcases of the latest printing and packaging technologies, machinery, equipment and supplies for the regional market,” said Al Midfa.

Print Pack Arabia 2014 will also take advantage of the fact that nearly 80 per cent of the UAE’s printing and packaging industry is based in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. In 2013, the market for flexible packaging in the region is valued at $4 billion. With regional consumption per capita at just one-tenth of Europe, experts point to huge potential for growth.

“The packaging industry too is expecting high growth rates, driven by the region’s growing domestic consumption and diversified exports market,” Al Midfa said.

Print Pack Arabia has received confirmation of participation from more than 75 manufacturers and distributors, with the UAE accounting for about 40 exhibitors and India 35. It will feature two special pavilions from India and China. The show will also present a knowledge-sharing platform through the Technical Seminars.

“Ipama, which is the apex body of printing, packaging and allied industries in India, is facilitating the participation of Indian exhibitors at the inaugural Print Pack Arabia 2014. Through Print Pack Arabia, I am sure Sharjah will take centre stage in the fast-growing printing and packaging industry in the Middle East region,” said Paul. He said the event would be a gateway to Middle East business with the upcoming World Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022

Ipama is the organiser of Print Pack India, the fourth largest exhibition of its kind in the world and the biggest in India, and has more than 350 members on its rolls representing more than 80 per cent of the Indian printing industry.