Manufacturers professionals and key decision makers from the Middle East paper office supplies and stationery market shared centre-stage as the industry's dedicated trade show opened on Tuesday with the largest exhibitor turnout yet in its six-year history.

With 305 exhibitors from 36 countries spanning more than 5000sqm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Paperworld Middle East 2016 got underway with international and local players looking to the wider region as a key growth market. The show was inaugurated by Butti Saeed Al Ghandi second vice-chairman of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority.

Running until Thursday the annual three-day event features seven country pavilions spearheaded by European heavyweights Germany Italy and Portugal while UAE participation is again strong this year with 31 exhibitors taking part.

Headline UAE exhibitors returning include Farook International Stationery which exports 10 UAE paper and stationery brands throughout the world proudly flying the 'Made in UAE' flag in more than 90 countries; along with Al Gurg Stationery Al Fahidi Stationery.

The exhibitors are showcasing their latest innovations to an expected audience of more than 6000 trade buyers from throughout the Middle East and Africa as they initiate new business cultivate existing relations and exchange regional viewpoints and preferences.

Ahmed Pauwels CEO of Paperworld Middle East's organiser Messe Frankfurt Middle East said Paperworld Middle East plays a key role in connecting suppliers and buyers under one roof while it benefits from its strategic location in Dubai long regarded as the ideal trading hub for imports exports and re-exports to surrounding Middle East and African countries.

"More crucially though it plays a positive role in setting industry trends in stationery paper and office supplies presenting the latest inspirational products shaping the future of the regional market - from eco-friendly paper made from stone to the latest school household or office items that are embracing the Internet of Things."

Among those vying for the interest of regional trade is Saudi-based Hoshan Pan Gulf (HPG) which is looking to grow its distribution channels through participation at Paperworld Middle East 2016 for its wide range of office product brands such as Uniball Staedtler Pentel and Maped.

"We have recently starting distributing Tesa the German Adhesives giant" said HPG's CEO Abdulrahman Ibrahim.

"Today we are delighted to showcase it as a successful launch at Paperworld Middle East and it's a great addition to our DIY sector.

"We've also signed a distribution agreement with Simba bags and toys in selected countries of the Middle East and we're very proud to share the exclusive collection here at the show. Our vision is to triple business in five years in the Middle East Africa and the Commonwealth Independent States. This growth will be generated organically and by penetrating adjacent industries" he added.

Having recently established an office and distribution warehouse in Dubai last year Rahmqvist is projecting 100 per cent growth in regional sales. Zafar Faridi the company's Regional Manager for the Middle East and Africa said: "Because of their unique design our ergonomic office products will aid in preventing physical injury and user-stress in the workplace."

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