11th Middle East & North Africa PET conference meets in Casablanca to explore upcoming opportunities in the region.

The 11th Middle East and North Africa PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) conference will convene in Casablanca, Morocco on 1-2 March 2010, to chart continued growth in the Middle East and emergining markets in Africa.

In their oft-cited report, CEH Marketing Research stated that worldwide PET capacity is forecasted to grow 4.3% from 2009 -2013, and the Middle East has the largest regional growth forecast at (9.3%). Emerging market Africa is also projected to grow by approximately 6% from 2009-2013. These projections come in spite of 2009 being a tough year for the Middle East PET region, with capacity expansions coinciding with slowing global demand, and dumping allegations and an ongoing investigation.

For 2010, it is expected that the Middle East will be meeting more and more demand markets from Europe to Africa whilst competing with the Far East (especially China). The region will produce more polyester fibres and PET solid-state resins, not only for domestic consumption, but increasingly for export as Africa shows steady growth & increasing demand.

The 11th Middle East & North Africa PET conference provides an essential update on Middle East PET production post-downturn, and how the emerging market in Africa bolstering the growth of the Middle East PET sector.

The conference will provide in-depth coverage on:

• Global supply/demand trends & landscape - A year after the crisis
• African markets outlook – East, West, North & South Africa
• Emergence of Middle East as strategic supplier to Africa
• Raw material challenges and market determinants of PX/PTA prices
• Implications of the proposed anti-dumping duties in EU on Middle East producers
• Brand Owner's Session – Emerging trends & packaging innovations in PET
• Technology showcase - From lightweight to barrier to energy efficiency
• Supply chain management & logistics challenges of shipping PET into Africa
  

The timely MEAPET conference comes at a time when a slow upturn is in the cards for the industry, with beverage demand holding firm and strong PET consumption rebounding in traditional markets, and PET demand growing in new markets.

Those seeking more information on participation should contact Ms. Hafizah at hafizah@cmtsp.com.sg