Cutting-edge technology to lift Mena print industry

Dubai - Gulf Print and Pack 2017 witnesses more exhibitors from outside the UAE

The Middle East and North Africa's print and package printing industry in the Middle East and North Africa is set for a major leap with several underdeveloped markets in the region coming forward to tap the full potential of modern print products and technologies.
The region's printing sector will collectively expand at an annual rate of 8.7 per cent to over $40 billion in market value in 2022 from $26.8 billion in 2017, data from a new report published by Smithers Pira shows.
The expansion is occurring against a more static backdrop for the print industry generally, with annual global growth pegged at a more sober two percent as traditional segments decline, said the report. As a result, the Mena region can be seen as an attractive strategic growth target for international print equipment and consumable suppliers.
"We have seen a higher number of exhibitors this year from abroad, a testament to the growing significance of the Middle East and North Africa market for commercial and package printers. We are delighted to provide a strong platform for these international exhibitors, as well as local businesses, to connect with strategic partners that will help them take advantage of opportunities across the region," said James Samuel, events portfolio director of Gulf Print and Pack 2017.
Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Information, opened the show on Sunday and interacted with key exhibitors showcasing their products and solutions for the print and package printing sector.
The Smithers Pira report sees a bright future for the region's print industry as the packaging sub-segment would have increased to 70 per cent of the print market by 2020.
For packaging, the Middle East also presents a tempting market for global firms as it is the print industry's most buoyant sector for growth. Industrial and transit packaging, followed by food are, and will remain, the largest end-use segments, although healthcare will be the fastest growing over the next four years.
At this year's edition of Gulf Print and Pack, the region's biggest technology show for commercial and package printers, Kodak's Komal Sharma, managing director for the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand, said the print industry has been in a marginal decline when looked at global print market.
"Packaging and digital print, on the other hand, are growing steadily in double digits. The Middle East market reflects this trend in some ways. We see that print is still viewed as a very cost-effective way to distribute content - one of the most efficient ways of producing an image or diagram in a highly repeatable way with extreme accuracy. Print will remain a valuable medium of communication for both educational and consumer needs. We see opportunities to grow in the Middle East with wide portfolio that helps our customers remain efficient and competitive," he added.
Xerox sees the Middle East region as one of the most strategically-important markets for the company. The brand launched new machines at the show, ahead of their global roll out, which "underscores the significance of the event to our business throughout the Middle East and Africa", said Pui Chi Li, head of marketing at Xerox MEA.
Italy-based Novurania said the printing industry is going through a challenging phase globally but as more and more technologies are developed and launched, new opportunities are emerging.
"New trends and technologies are paving the way for new business, but it is especially in the Middle East and North Africa where we are seeing the best potential for growth. Demand is rising along with growing economies, which will spur the need for commercial printing and package printing services," said Vishwas Dharm, regional manager for sales and technical support.
- issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com