(MENAFN Press) Saudi Arabia's printing industry has been projected to grow by up to 15 percent annually, as spending on the latest printing products and equipment for corporate and personal use has remained strong. The rapidly growing number of journals, periodicals, and specialised magazines has also helped boost paper imports in the country to over 370,000 tonnes a year, while pushing demand for the latest digital technologies in pre-press, colour separation, design software and other printing solutions.
With its strong performance and increasing demand, Saudi Arabia has been a key contributor to the robust growth of the Middle East printing industry, which has been expected to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2012, or a phenomenal 45 per cent growth from 2007 figures. The country has also seen an increasing number of book publications to satisfy the diverse literary demands of the country's rapidly growing population; this trend has also been impacted by growing global interest in Arabian literary works and a continuing thrust to promote the country's heritage through the publication of various cultural-oriented books.
According to Riyadh Exhibitions Company, organiser of Saudi Print 2009 “ The 9th International Pre-press and Printing Technology Exhibition, the growing consumption of printing products and technologies in Saudi Arabia has created gainful business opportunities for local and foreign suppliers and printing technology vendors. In line with this, Saudi Print 2009 will provide a consolidating platform for trade buyers, industry professionals, international distributors and other industry stakeholders to conduct business-to-business networking activities and augment their marketing initiatives in the country.
Saudi Print 2009 will be held from Shawwal 29 to Zul Al-Qidah 2, 1430 / October 18 to 21, 2009 at the newly built Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, one of the region's most advanced exhibition facilities. The event will be held concurrently with Saudi Petrochem 2009 “ The 4th International Exhibition for Chemicals and Chemical Technology Industry; Saudi Plas 2009 “ The 9th International Plastics Technology Show; and Saudi Pack 2009 “ The 9th International Packing Machinery and Materials Show. Collectively branded as "Saudi PPPP 2009," the concurrent events seek to leverage Saudi Arabia's status as the Middle East's fastest-growing market for the petrochemical, printing, packaging and plastic industries.
Kamil Al Jawhari, Project Manager of Saudi PPPP at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said, "Printing companies in Saudi Arabia continue to invest in the latest print processing machinery and technology to cater to evolving requirements of individual consumers, business clients and other customers. The growing consumption for new printing solutions and technologies has resulted in new growth opportunities for suppliers and distributors, who are now increasing their marketing and sales efforts in the country."
"Saudi Print, the country's premier business-to-business networking showcase for the printing industry, has traditionally been the industry benchmark in terms of market activity. As such, the enthusiasm of regional and international industry players to attend this year's event certainly reflects the positive outlook of Saudi Arabia's printing sector. The growing domestic demand, combined with relative instability in other international markets, has certainly opened excellent growth opportunities for printing manufacturers and distributors, making Saudi Arabia one of the most exciting destinations in the global printing industry," added Al Jawhari.
The industry segments that will be represented at Saudi Print 2009 include pre-press hardware, pre-press software, proofing equipment, printing press equipment, cutting and folding machines, binding machines, stitching machines, laminating machines, printing paper and supplies, design and printing services, printing press companies, silkscreen printing, sign making, large format poster printers, digital direct printing, and UV varnish technology.
A total of over 390 international companies, including 170 new participating firms, have already confirmed participation in Saudi PPPP. The confirmed exhibitors now represent a substantial 77.4 per cent increase in participation, while exhibition space has been expanded by 100 per cent to reach 15,000 square metres.
