With their strong potential to make significant contributions to enhancing the Kingdom's attractiveness and competitiveness on the global economic landscape, the latest editions of "Saudi Plastics and Petrochem Exhibition 2020" and "Saudi Print and Pack Exhibition 2020" (Saudi PPPP) are set to review the Kingdom's economic diversification plans and the promising investment opportunities they present. In addition, the 17th edition of exhibitions will highlight governmental efforts that aim to enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of these vital sectors and their important roles in the Kingdom's economic diversification efforts. Both exhibitions will be held from January 13-16, 2020, under the patronage of Bandar bin Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al Khorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources. Organized by Riyadh Exhibition Company at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the Saudi Plastics and Petrochem Exhibition 2020 and the Saudi Print and Pack 2020 have evolved to become the most prominent specialized exhibitions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The latest editions of the exhibitions will highlight the most recent technological innovations within the plastics, petrochemical, printing and packaging industries that continue to remain major drivers of economic growth and diversification in the country. Saudi Plastics and Petrochem Exhibition 2020 and the Saudi Print and Pack 2020 are set to bring together the largest number of decision makers, experts, manufacturers, and local and regional and international suppliers under one roof to explore the prospects for joint cooperation and discuss new partnerships, in order to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities that exist within the local petrochemical and plastic sectors. This is particularly relevant as the Saudi government, led by Saudi Vision 2030, continues to move forward with the diversification of the national economy to become one of the 20 largest economies in the world. Against this backdrop, the upcoming Saudi PPPP is poised to attract remarkable international attention, thanks to the participation of 424 exhibitors from 26 countries, spread across eight international pavilions, reflecting the high confidence and prestigious reputation it enjoys on the world stage. This year, the exhibition's agenda includes two conferences, the Saudi Conference for Plastic and Petrochem, which will be held on January 14, and the Saudi Conference for Printing and Packaging, which will be held on January 15 and 16. The conferences will feature significant participation from government and private sector representatives and experts, who will gather to promote constructive dialogue, facilitate knowledge sharing, and exchange successful experiences, in order to position the Kingdom at the forefront of the world's economies. Mohammad Al Al-Sheikh, Head of Marketing, Riyadh Exhibition Company Ltd, said: "The exhibition continues to consolidate its position as an important strategic platform to strengthen cooperation frameworks between the leaders of the petrochemical and plastic industries and packaging within the Kingdom and globally as well. It aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities and the most promising prospects that are available in the Kingdom, with an aim to drive the pace of development and diversification of the national economy, in light of the continuous government support to achieve the goals of the National Transformation Program 2020 and the Saudi Vision 2030." Building on the success of the previous editions of the exhibition, which underscored its importance as a main pillar in enabling Saudi companies to establish a base for petrochemical and manufacturing industries, the 2020 edition of the exhibition will support the national efforts to raise the contributions of the petrochemical sector from $133.33 billion to $453.3 billion by 2030. This will further contribute to increasing non-oil exports to reach $666.66 billion by the same year. He added: "The 17th edition of the Saudi Print and Pack Exhibition 2020 will highlight the latest innovations and products before specialists and experts from all over the world, presenting opportunities for exhibitors and visitors to identify investment opportunities in the Saudi market. With the announcement of the start of new cooperative projects with international and local entities, and the Saudi companies' accessibility to tools that are necessary to enter new markets for export of plastic products make it even more relevant. 70 percent of the raw materials exported from Saudi Arabia to all parts of the world are raw materials of petroleum derivatives, and the value of exports of the plastics and chemicals sectors account for about 60 percent of the non-oil exports to the Kingdom, which owns 67 percent share of the region's packaging industry. "Saudi Arabia is witnessing an important industrial boom, within the framework of plans aimed at driving economic diversification and enhancing the participation of the private sector in economic development and creating job opportunities for citizenship competencies. This is in addition to encouraging, supporting and attracting foreign investment to enhance the Kingdom's position as a major hub for plastic and consumer goods industries. We look forward to the upcoming edition of the exhibition as an important addition to our leading portfolio of major events, exhibitions and conferences that we continue to organize in line with the highest standards of excellence, quality and professionalism, and under the supervision of a team of the best Saudi nationals. These efforts are further supported by our industry experience spanning more than 38 years, which enables us to contribute to strengthening Saudi Arabia's position on the global economic map," he concluded. Saudi Plastics and Petrochem Exhibition 2020 and the Saudi Print and Pack 2020 will be held with the diamond sponsorship of SABIC and Advanced Petrochemical Company, supported by the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as the supporting partner of the industry; and the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones Modon as an industry partner. Saudi Industrial Development Fund is the industrial empowerment partner and the Riyadh Chamber is a supporting partner of the exhibition. — SG
