‘Plastic industry possesses high growth potential’

LAHORE – Plastic, print and packaging industries are among the leading sectors in the economy of Pakistan, possessing a high growth potential. The government should promote these sectors as they can generate jobs and business opportunities. These views were expressed by participants of the seventh international plastic, printing and packaging industry exhibition held at the Expo Centre. The three day exhibition, which started on March 12 and concluded on Monday, brought over 200 businessmen from different sectors under one roof.
It was an international conference, attended by participants from China, India, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Iran, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, UK and USA. CEMS Pakistan arranged the event in Lahore for the first time in order to encourage plastic and packaging industry in the north zone of country.
Growth of plastic, packaging and printing industry was stagnant in the 1980s and 1990s. However, an increase in usage of plastic products at homes and corporate level has driven robust growth in the industry. Participants stated that plastic is the basic material for products ranging from lunch boxes to dinning plates. They added that the exhibition provided an opportunity to display their products, as no such event has been organised in the past.
said that similar events should be held frequently, as they allow the government to generate revenue. Plaspack Managing Director Suhail Akbar said that he had received an astounding response from the exhibition. “Around 200 visitors came to my stall for inquiries,” he said, adding that the response gave an edge to his business. “We developed a lot of international contacts through the event,” he added.
Saleem Akhter of Comutype Media, who had come from India to participate in the event, said he was amazed to see the mega event. He maintained that such events provide an opportunity for business expansion and help in bringing people together. He appreciated the efforts of organisers, saying that he liked his stay in Pakistan.
Raja Imran, another participant of the exhibition, said that his business lacked mass scale contacts.
“I have met a number of international participants and they were keen in dealing with my company. I have booked almost a dozen orders in the last three days,” he said. He added that plastic industry in Pakistan has a huge potential as it can generate significant amounts of revenue. He urged the government to address issues of the plastic, print and packaging industries. “The plastic industry, over the last decade, has seen tremendous growth, as dependency on plastic has increased. Promoting the industry is, therefore, need of the hour,” he added.