Dubai: Converting industries contribute nearly 12 per cent of Dubai's GDP in which the paper industry constitutes a mere 1.5-2 per cent, Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), said on Sunday.
He was inaugurating Paper Arabia 2010, the first-of-its-kind industry expo, at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event will continue until September 28.
Al Qamzi said: "The paper industry is developing all over the world, especially in the Middle East. We have high hopes for this industry in Dubai and the potential is really huge. Nearly 12 per cent of Dubai's GDP is contributed by converting industries, in which the paper industry constitutes a mere 1.5 to 2 per cent. This shows the growth potential of the paper industry, taking into consideration that the UAE is one of the highest consumers of paper in the Arab world."
On the question of nationalisation of the paper industry, Al Qamzi said that Dubai and the UAE do not impose Emiratisation on any industry, including the paper industry, and the market is filled with people of various nationalities.
He added that the UAE has reduced the challenges facing the growth of this industry, such as the cost of production. Paper Arabia 2010 is dedicated to the development of the paper, printing and packaging industry in the GCC.
Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, organiser of the show, said: "Producing and printing paper is largely done in the UAE for the entire Arab world and Dubai is a printing house of the region. Dubai has an edge over other producers of paper in speedy delivery, cost-effectiveness and lower freight costs."
Paper Arabia with more than 115 exhibitors from 25 countries is a key platform for traders and industry players to interact. Participants include leading names from the UAE, Italy, Jordan, France, China, Netherlands USA and UK among others.
