India ranks among the top four suppliers of paper to the UAE alongside China, Indonesia and Germany.
China and Indonesia are the key source of import to the UAE, accounting for a quarter of paper brought into the UAE. Germany comes third, accounting for 8.1 per cent of Dubai's imports, followed by India (6.9 per cent) and United States of America (6.9 per cent), Italy (4.4 per cent) and Finland (3.6 per cent).
Other markets account for approximately 27.9 per cent of Dubai's imports, a statement released here by organisers of 'Paper Arabia 2013' said, quoting figures published by UN Comtrade.
The UAE imported around United Arab Emirates Dirham 4.6 billion worth of paper products in 2011, compared to United Arab Emirates Dirham 3.1 billion in 2007, representing cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 per cent.
Dubai accounted for over 80 per cent of paper imports valued at United Arab Emirates Dirham 3.8 billion.
The figures were highlighted at the announcement of 'Paper Arabia 2013', the Middle East and North Africa region's specialised event for paper industry, to be held in Dubai in September.
"Growth in import of paper products can be linked to rising incomes and lifestyle changes, and in part to Dubai and the UAE as a transit hub. Dubai is host to several hospitality and conference clusters, which continually need specialised printing services and paper products," Satish Khanna, General Manager of Al Fajer Information and Services, organisers of 'Paper Arabia 2013' said.
Key industry players will be showcasing their latest products and solutions for the entire production chain, from pulp to packaging, distribution, wholesales/retailing, trading and marketing products in the three-day show.
The event comes at a time the paper industry is registering spectacular growth with several production centres and paper converting businesses flourishing.
Participants will include leading global names from France, USA, UK, India, China, Germany, Taiwan, Indonesia, Austria, Finland, Italy and other countries, he said.
