Dubai is going to spend over $18 billion for the World Expo. Qatar has earmarked a staggering $200 billion for the FIFA World Cup. These could push demand for plastics prior and during these events as plastics are heavily used in infrastructure projects, apart from packaging. Aside from the infrastructure projects, millions of people are going to fly into the region, providing a strong boost to plastics consumption.
Going by the previous editions in other countries, the World Expo is expected to attract up to 50 million visitors to the UAE and generate 270,000 jobs, drawing in business people, professionals, workers and others. In fact, experts are of the opinion that both World Expo and the World Cup will be beneficial for the entire GCC region, with the rise in economic activities leading to a spill over of benefits to the rest of the region, which means much of the plastics produced in the region are going to be used domestically.
With these economies moving to the fast lane, the region’s plastics producers will have to look at acquiring new machinery and technology to keep pace with the expected heavy surge in consumption of plastics. With the tremendous amount of business opportunities these two events will bring, many big players are likely to take advantage to bring their latest products and overcome the tough competition.
