Beirut – December 6, 2018: IFP Group (International Fairs and Promotions) announced today the launch of the first International Exhibition and Conference for Paper, Printing, and Packaging in Lebanon, during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists in Beirut.
The press conference was attended by Mr. Albert Aoun; Chairman of IFP Group, Dr. Fady Gemayel; President of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and the Arab Federation for Paper, Packaging, and Printing Industries, Mr. Nabil Gemayel; Chairman of the Lebanese Packaging Center (LibanPack), also Chairman and General Manager of Gemayel Freres s.a.l, as well as Mrs. Soha Atallah; Vice President of the World Packaging Organization and General Manager of LibanPack.
Held at the Seaside Arena in Beirut from 15 to 18 October 2019, the International Exhibition for Paper, Printing, and Packaging provides a highly-targeted business platform for local and international industrialists to showcase the latest technologies, processes, equipment, and products that are shaping the future of paper, printing, and packaging industries in Lebanon and the East Mediterranean region. It will also highlight key trade and investment opportunities as well as the latest trends and developments in these growing sectors.
The exhibition encompasses a hosted buyers program to invite the largest number of Arab industrialists and host some of them to boost business activities of exhibitors, as well as an awards ceremony that recognizes innovative product development and sustainable solutions for the industry.
In his speech, Dr. Gemayel welcomed IFP Group at the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and praised the work of the company especially with regards to its contribution to the development of the sector: “The paper industry plays a crucial economic role, since it provides a different range of products to 12 sectors (Stationery, books, cardboard and boxes, recycled paper, diapers, cigarette paper etc.) and helps in many other areas.”
Dr. Gemayel highlighted the importance of the industry’s exports that reach many European countries and Japan. For the last 20 years, the industry has been going through an exponential growth in Arab counties, the USA, France, England, and many other countries. Gemayel also noted that the Arab Federation for Paper, Packaging, and Printing Industries which he presides is playing a very important regional role.
Mr. Aoun delivered a speech in which he announced the launch of this pioneering event.
“I am pleased to announce the launch of the first edition of the International Paper, Printing and Packaging Exhibition and Conference, which will focus on expanding these vital sectors in the region and highlight the business growth opportunities in the industrial sector in general in Lebanon and the region,” said Aoun.
Mr. Aoun also expressed his deep appreciation to the Association of Lebanese Industrialists, Arab Federation for Paper, Packaging and Printing Industries, the World Packaging Organization (WPO), and the Lebanese Packaging Center (LibanPack) for supporting the exhibition and invited all industry specialists to participate and actively join hands in the development of Lebanese and Arab industries in these fields.
On her part, Mrs. Suha Atallah, Vice President of the World Packaging Organization, stressed the importance of the packaging sector in the Arab and international economy as it increases the competitiveness of products in international markets.
“Packaging is a cornerstone in the industrial and commercial process. Packaging is an added value to local products and not an additional burden as some imagine. Packaging, in short, means better industry, and better agriculture; consequently, better industry means greater export and thus a thriving economy, so that we transform from a consuming society to a productive one,” she added.
Mrs. Atallah emphasized the important role of the organization in packaging through its various activities around the world, especially those concerning educational projects, sustainable packaging, food preservation, and food safety.
Mrs. Atallah also expressed her appreciation and gratitude to IFP for launching the first edition of the International Paper, Printing, and Packaging Exhibition in Beirut, which will contribute to increasing awareness of the importance of the packaging and printing sector in our Arab economy and voiced the organization’s readiness to support this unique event in the region.
IFP is keen on diversifying its portfolio of international exhibitions and conferences and keeping up with market demands by delivering dedicated platforms that will accelerate trade and boost industrial sectors in Lebanon and the region.