(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE and the Gulf countries are set to become one of the world's largest sources of petrochemicals and plastics products as the oil-producing countries invest heavily in downstream petrochemicals.
According to latest statistics, the polyethylene production capacities in the GCC will increase from 10.7 million tonnes in 2009 to 21.5 million tonnes by the year 2015. The production of polypropylene will also increase from 4.8 million tonnes in 2009 to 9.5 million tonnes by 2015, an increase of 98 per cent. This will bring the combined production capacities of the two major polyolefin resins to over 31 million tonnes by 2015.
The region's rising stature in petrochemicals and plastics sectors will be seen at ArabPlast Exhibition, the Middle East's top trade show for rubber, plastics and plastic processing that will be held from January 8 to 11, 2011, in Dubai.
Borouge, a leading provider of innovative, value creating plastics solutions, is sponsoring the show. Advanced solutions and technology for pipe systems, wire and cables, automotive components and advanced packaging will be displayed on the Borouge stand.
"The fast growing polyolefin market offers Borouge remarkable business opportunities over the next ten years and beyond," said Hussain Sultan Lootah, Borouge's Senior Vice-President for the Middle East.
"To support further development of innovative plastics solutions, Borouge is currently investing in a new Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi and has recently expanded the annual capacity of its plant at Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, to 2 million tonnes of polyolefins. With the introduction of 2.5 million tonnes by mid-2014, the annual capacity of the plant will be further expanded to 4.5 million tonnes," Lootah said.
Borouge also plan to establish an Innovation Centre by the end of 2011 in Abu Dhabi to demonstrate the innovation capability of Borouge and serve customers in the region. "Borouge continues to stay at the forefront through strategies that focus long-term and continuous investment in key growth markets; and most importantly, attract, recruit and retain the best people," he added.
A record number of companies are participating in ArabPlast 2011, a reflection on the growing importance attached by GCC countries to strengthening their manufacturing industries, including plastics and rubber sector, which are known to be more sustainable investments in the long run.
ArabPlast 2011 will showcase latest technologies and track market trends of the Middle East plastics and rubber industry, which continues to be the world's largest exporter, offloading the majority of its output to international markets.
"One of the highlights is a ground-breaking new solution for large diameter pipelines for industrial projects which supports our customers, design consultants and pipe producers in the Middle East to provide large diameter polyolefins pipes for increasing number of new industrial projects in the region," said Khalfan Al Muhairi, Application Marketing Manager to the Pipe Business Unit. "Arabplast is a global platform for Borouge to communicate with its customers and reinforce our leading role in the Middle East industry. Our major investments in Abu Dhabi also highlight our strong commitment to the region."
Companies from Taiwan, USA, Turkey, Egypt, Canada, UK, Germany, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, China, Switzerland, Spain, Norway, KSA, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, UAE, India and Iran are participating in the show.
By Abdul Basit
