Saudi Arabia as growth catalyst in global plastics industry

The plastics industry in the Middle East is projected to grow annually by 30%, a reflection of how the region is poised to lead the global plastics industry in the next five years. In particular, Saudi Arabia has played an important role in pushing the regional plastics industry''s exceptional growth through substantial investments in projects that have made the country Middle East''s largest producer by volume of polyethylene. Recent surveys have also indicated that Saudi Arabia has the highest per capita consumption of plastics in the Middle East at 40 kilograms per person, which is twice as much as any other country in the GCC. Rising income, and a growing population, continues to fuel demand within the food and beverage and consumer goods sectors. This consequently drives up the demand for plastics. Food and beverage packaging, household goods, consumer goods, and construction materials are just a few of the plastic products that are in demand, thus providing impetus for growth and vast business opportunities for those engaged in plastics manufacturing and related industries. Massive construction of private housing and commercial centres, mega real estate development projects, industrial parks and economic cities, restaurants and hotels currently being built will all require the latest in plastics products. Just in the capital of Riyadh alone, over half a million housing units are in urgent demand and will be launched next year. Around SR33.75 billion is also being invested to build the world''s largest integrated petrochemicals facility in Jubail Industrial City, with a capacity of 6 million tonnes per annum, while the SR37.5 billion Petro Rabigh Refinery upgrade project will enable the facility to increase its production capacity to 2.4 million metric tonnes, making it one of the world''s largest integrated oil refining and petrochemical facilities. The projects, which collectively involve more than 150,000 engineers and technicians working around the clock, will enable Saudi Arabia to produce a wider variety of polymers and bi-products, considerably expanding the country''s portfolio of petrochemical offerings and increasing its global market base. Concurrent events at Saudi PPPP 2009 Saudi Arabia has become a major player in the global plastics trade - with its abundant supply of raw materials, low-cost energy, and proximity to European and Asian markets. Thus, Saudi Plas 2009 - the 9th International Plastics Technology Show -scheduled to be held from 18 ?21 October is expected to reflect the remarkable growth of Saudi Arabia''s plastics industry over the years and in the years to come. The event to be held concurrently with Saudi Petrochem 2009 (the 4th International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry), Saudi Pack 2009 (the 9th International Packing Machinery and Materials Show) and Saudi Print 2009 (the 9th International Pre-press and Printing Technology Exhibition) will have the new Riyadh International Exhibition Centre as its venue with exhibition space spanning 15,000 sq. metres, twice the size of the venue in the previous edition. Collectively called Saudi PPPP 2009, the concurrent events seek to seal Saudi Arabia''s status as the region''s fastest growing market for the petrochemical, printing, packaging and plastics industry, while presenting an ideal business-to-business networking platform for key decision markers, industrialists and other professionals. A wealth of plastic products will be required, for both internal and external utilisation, and key decision makers, industrialists, and developers will attend Saudi PPPP for the latest products to meet their needs. Over 390 international companies, including 170 participating firms have alreNike KD