Page 8 - PWM2025_DECEMBER EBOOK

EVENTS

Regional paper and packaging

leaders at Paperworld Middle East

R East, have highlighted how the Middle East’s expanding
egional manufacturers and traders at Paperworld Middle

paper and packaging industry is driving localisation,
strengthening supply chains, and enhancing the region’s
export competitiveness.
Held as part of the event’s Hub Forum, the panel discussion titled
“Made in MENA: Connecting Paper Manufacturers, Traders &
Packaging Leaders for Regional Growth” brought together key indus-
try figures including Parv Sondhi, Founder and Managing Partner of P
Square; Fadi Baaklini, Chairman and Founder of MEPCO Gulf
Commodities; Ali Haider, CEO of Capital Envelopes; and Hitendra
Daherikar, Sales Team Lead at Kaagaz Trading.
The panellists discussed how MENA-based producers are scaling up
production capacity and localising operations to meet rising domestic
demand, while reducing dependency on international supply chains.
The speakers agreed that domestic consumption is climbing stead-
ily, creating opportunities for expanded production and increased
export potential. Regional leaders underline localisation and supply chain growth in MENA region
Ali Haider, whose Dubai-based company produces over 1.5 billion
envelopes per year, said that being based in the region offers a signifi-
cant competitive advantage. “It gives us a good positioning in regional Middle East concluded, having showcased over 650 exhibitors from 38
markets. For us to be geographically located here, being physically countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
close to our main customer base helps significantly with supply chain Paperworld Middle East presents a wide range of international solu-
management.” tions spanning office supplies, school products, stationery, writing instru-
The discussion also explored how local producers are responding to ments, writing printing paper, arts and crafts supplies, kraft paper and
growing sustainability expectations while maintaining cost efficiency. packaging and more. Meanwhile, Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East focuses on
“Paper is sustainable, fully biodegradable and recyclable. At Capital
Envelopes, we use only water-based inks and glues, and our machinery innovative gifting, lifestyle products, and home accessories.
is energy-efficient. We also recycle water within our facilities,” said Events under the Paperworld brand include trade fairs in Shanghai (21-
Haider. 23 November 2025), Hong Kong (12-15 January 2026) and Mumbai (26-
Parv Sondhi of P Square highlighted the differing approaches to 28 February) in addition to the Dubai event. The paper and stationery
sustainable packaging options. “Corporate clients with clear sustaina- sector is also showcased at Ambiente in Frankfurt (6-10 February 2026).
bility goals are willing to pay for sustainable packaging, but broader His Excellency Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice Chairman of Dubai World
adoption depends on more cost-effective solutions entering the mar- Trade Centre, officially inaugurated Paperworld Middle East and Gifts &
ket.” Lifestyle Middle East. “Dubai continues to reaffirm its position as a premier
Looking ahead, the panellists agreed that major infrastructure
investments such as Etihad Rail will be pivotal to supporting regional global centre for trade, innovation, and sustainability. Events such as
manufacturing growth. Once fully operational, the national rail net- Paperworld Middle East and Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East showcase the
work will reduce logistics costs, enhance cross-border trade, and accel- region’s expanding influence as a strategic hub for international sourcing and
erate delivery times, offering key advantages for paper producers and commerce,” said His Excellency, during the opening.
traders across the UAE and wider GCC. The region’s largest international trade show for paper, stationery, office
Speaking after the session, Teresa Heitor Goncalves, Portfolio supplies, and school supplies, Paperworld Middle East connects global manu-
Director – Consumer Goods, Messe Frankfurt Middle East GmbH facturers, suppliers, and distributors with key buyers from the Middle East,
said: “The insights shared during the panel discussion show how much
the sector is evolving. It’s clear that regional companies are focused on Africa, and South Asia. This year’s exhibitors include Farook International,
growth, collaboration and long-term resilience. Bringing the industry from the UAE, Pelikan from Germany and A.T. Cross Pen Company from the
together at Paperworld Middle East provides an important platform USA among many other leading brands. Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East cele-
for these shared priorities to take shape and move forward.” brates its fastest-growing edition to date, presenting a curated selection of
Paperworld Middle East and co-located event Gifts & Lifestyle corporate gifts and lifestyle products.
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