In 2004, printing machinery worth approximately 32 million euros was imported from Germany to the GCC. And German imports in the category have increased by 84 per cent from 2000 to 2004, according to PRINTPROMOTION, Germany - organisers of the Print Media Management Conference in Dubai.
Reflecting the vibrant commercial printing sector, the Print Media Management Conference will highlight trends and developments, technologies and innovative solutions in the printing industry. The conference takes place from 10am to 4pm at Le Meridien Dubai, Airport road on Saturday, December 10, 2005.
Regional economic and demographic growth is fuelling the printing industry. According to recent reports, 40 new five-star hotels and five out of the world’s seven biggest malls will be operational in Dubai by 2008. Qatar has allocated US$15 billion over the next five years for hotel and infrastructure development. Mega developments are also taking place in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
“The thriving consumer goods industries have spurred more printed advertising and packaging. Newspaper and magazine circulation has also increased rapidly, resulting in the expansion and launch of new publishing houses. They have also contributed to the growing printing and paper converting industries,” said Siegbert Holderried, Managing Director, PRINTPROMOTION, Germany.
“Our main aim is to raise the standards of the printing and paper converting industries by the transfer of expert know-how, sharing new technologies and promoting training of operators and management working in the sector. We expect approximately 200 senior managers and decision-makers from across the GCC to attend this year’s conference.”
A number of companies have already registered for the conference, and there is participation from UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Pakistan, added Holderried.
Dubai is regarded as the region's commercial hub for many industries including printing and publishing, owing to its strategic position at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe. Reflecting its importance is the recent development of the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), which occupies an area of more than 43 million square feet. While the infrastructure will support all sectors of the media and entertainment industry, the first part of the zone will focus on the printing and publishing sector.
“There are more than 1,000 licensed printing companies and manufacturers in the Middle East. While some are undertaking expansion projects to meet growing local and regional market demands, others are diversifying their operations. Till date more than 30 major local, regional and international companies have registered with IMPZ’s printing and packaging sector. This clearly indicates the growth and potential of the sector,” said Sindbad Al-Mahaire, Business Development Manager, Printing, IMPZ.
The sector has witnessed eight per cent growth over the last year, and double-digit growth is expected in the next three to five years said Al-Mahaire.
The Print Media Management Conference will feature a panel of experienced speakers such as Siegbert Holderried, Managing Director, PRINTPROMOTION; Wolfgang Wallowy, Heidelberg; Michael Nitsche, MAN Roland; Andreas Bachmann, KBA; Karl-Heinz Thiele, Drent Goebel; Vlada Mihailovic, IST Metz; Sven Schubert, Polar Mohr; and Paul Semrau from Kolbus.
About PRINTPROMOTION
PRINTPROMOTION - Corporation for the Promotion of the Printing and Paper Converting Industry, Frankfurt, Germany was initiated in 1975 by Frakfurt-based Association of German Manufacturers of Printing & Paper Equipment and Supplies within the Engineering Federation VDMA. PRINTPROMOTION is supported by worldwide leading manufacturers of machinery and equipment for the print media industry.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
09.00 Welcome and registration
10.00 Opening
Siegbert Holderried, PRINTPROMOTION, Frankfurt
10.15 Trends and developments in offset printing
Wolfgang Wallowy, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG,
10.45 Value added in sheetfed offset
Michael Nitsche, MAN Roland Druckmaschinen AG, Offenbach
11.15 Coffee break
11.45 Sheetfed innovations 2005
Andreas Bachmann, Koenig & Bauer AG Planeta, Radebeul
12.15 Innovative solutions in web-fed printing
Dr. Felix Berg, Drent Goebel group, Darmstadt
12.45 Lunch
14.00 Trends and opportunity in UV-technology
Vlada Mihailovic, IST Metz GmbH, Nuertingen
14.30 The future of cutting
Sven Schubert, Polar Mohr, Hofheim
15.00 Coffee
15.30 Trends and developments in post press
Wolfgang Wallowy, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG,
16.00 Trends for hardcover and soft-cover binding
Paul Semrau, Kolbus, Rahden
16.30 Conclusion and outlook
Siegbert Holderried, PRINTPROMOTION, Frankfurt
