27 September 2006, Dubai - The Middle East's first dedicated recycling conference took off successfully, with participants concurring on the need for an annual event to discuss challenges as the region develops rapidly. The inaugural Recycling and Recoverable Fibers conference saw enthusiastic discussions during the three-day event held at the Dusit Dubai Hotel from 4 to 6 September 2006.

The meeting drew some 30 industry veterans from the Middle East, South Asia and Europe. At the end of the three days, participants were delighted that conference provided a practical platform for industry leaders to network, transfer knowledge and meet potential business partners in the recycling field.

Mr Tony Chan, Conference Director of MP Congress and Exhibitions (MPCE), said: "We are very pleased with the response. Recycling is a relatively new area but a topic of great concern to the region. Hence, delegates were impressed with the quality of the event as the invited speakers were knowledgeable and eager to share their expertise."

Kicking off the conference was a keynote address by Mr Abdullah Mohammad Rafia, Assistant Director General for Environment and Public Health, Dubai Municipality, United Arab Emirates (UAE). He addressed the issue of trade-offs between environmental and economical considerations in the course of rapid development in Dubai. While there is pressure to tackle the pollution problem, he emphasised the need for proper waste management to ensure sustainable development of the city.

Other presenters included the world’s leading names in the recycling field, such as Middle East Paper Co., Paper Industry Technology Association, Fiber Research Consultant and Tadweer Waste Treatment LLC. Practical issues pertaining to the recycling industry were addressed and discussed. Participants were able to gain an insight in the areas of operations and technicalities of collection systems, trends and cost reductions, use of energy waste, just to name a few. The event rounded off with a mill visit to Tadweer, a state-of-the-art sorting and recycling facility.

Commented speaker Mr Barry Read, Chairman of Paper Industry Technology Association (PITA) Environmental Working Group, United Kingdom: "The conference highlighted the growing demand for recovery and recycling solutions in the Middle East and the thirst for knowledge amongst - paper mills operating in the region. The contributions from the delegates added to the presentations and lead to many lively discussions."

Another speaker Mr Roland McKinney, Chief Executive Officer of Fiber Research Consultant Ltd, United Kingdom, commented: "I have been involved in the recycling industry for many years and this conference attracted extremely qualified delegates who knew exactly what they want. I also met with some of the biggest industry names in the Middle East."

Mr McKinney’s comments were echoed by many of the participants. Among them, Mr Usama Alami, General Manager of Jordan Paper & Cardboard Factory, concurred: "I am delighted to have attended the first recycling conference in the Middle East. It was a great platform and certainly helped to provide me with strategic insights into the recycling industry in Gulf region and how it compares with the European scene."

Remarked Mr Moh’d Mowkley, Mill Manager of Obeikan Paper Industries, KSA: "The conference was very informative and the speakers were of very high quality. The mill visit was indeed very interesting. I am glad that I managed to fulfill my objective of attending this conference."

"I have been in the industry for over 30 years and attended many conferences and exhibitions. This conference, although small, has the quality of an international event and it brings in quality participants, thus enabling the real sharing of experiences. I will definitely take part in the next event," said Mr Tariq Ashfaq of Packages Limited, Pakistan.

Event organiser, MP Congress and Exhibitions, plans to develop the Recycling and Recoverable Fibers conference into an annual presentation. The next presentation is scheduled to be held from 9 to 11 September 2007. Those interested in presenting papers or attending the next conference can contact MPCE or email tonychan@mpinetwork.com.

For the first time, the International Furniture Fair Singapore Pte Ltd has a waiting list of interested companies wanting to participate in the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2007/24th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2007), as the choice premium locations in the show have been snapped up.

As of 15 August 2006, more than six months away from the start of the show, more than 80% of the exhibition space have already been booked by eager exhibitors.  Meanwhile, due to the overwhelming demand for large premium space along the main aisles at the show, the organiser of IFFS/AFS 2007 has a waiting list of companies wanting more than 2,000 sqm of nett space. 

Mr Jerry Tan, Chairman of the Advisory Panel for IFFS/AFS 2007, commented, “This phenomenon of a waiting list of exhibitors is a strong reflection that the show is growing from strength to strength.  It is a happy problem that we are facing, but it is nevertheless a problem.  We are working hard to find ways and means to satisfy all the extraordinary demands for premium space at IFFS/AFS 2007.”

Another clear sign of the show’s strong growth is that more than 50 loyal and repeat exhibitors have increased their space requirement at IFFS/AFS 2007.  One of these repeat exhibitors, Mr Kenny Koh, Executive Director from Star Furniture, Singapore, remarked,  “We have increased our space significantly for the IFFS/AFS 2007, simply because we have proven results from the past show  and believe IFFS can help our company grow and expand.”

Similar in thoughts, Mr David Azanza, Vice President, from Berde Plants, The Philippines commented, “We needed the exposure in overseas markets and saw how IFFS could be used as a strategic resource to complement our company, so we decided by increasing our presence in size and frequency, we would be able to achieve our goals in a short time.”

Besides loyal repeat exhibitors, IFFS/AFS 2007 will also welcome some 76 new exhibitors.  One of these new exhibitors, Mr Scott Kahn, Director, Furniture Origins, Gibraltar said, “Singapore is the natural choice for our Asian debut, considering its pro-business infrastructure and strategic location.  We are excited to reap gains by participating in IFFS/AFS 2007 and I believe it will expand our market reach regionally and internationally.”

Active promotion for the show has also begun right after last IFFS/AFS 2006. The IFFS/AFS website is already taking in pre-registration requests and as of 15 August 2006, there were 11% more pre-registrations compared to the pre-registrations recorded as of 15 August 2005 for IFFS/AFS 2006.  From September, IFFS Pte Ltd will initiate a series of fortnightly lucky draws to further encourage online pre-registrations.  The organiser is also stepping up its promotional activities in major buyers’ markets, as well as key growth markets like India and Russia, where participation in furniture shows and roadshow presentations will be conducted.

Mr Quek Chin Tuan, CEO, IFFS Pte Ltd, summed it up best, “Last year, we were quietly confident that IFFS/AFS 2006 would be a landmark, successful show.  Now, based on the enthusiastic exhibitor sales and visitor pre-registrations, we are even more confident that IFFS/AFS 2007 will surpass previous IFFS/AFS shows in terms of its success.  But we are not resting on our laurels, as we continue to work hard to make IFFS/AFS 2007 the best show in its 24-year history.”

For more information on IFFS/AFS 2007, please visit www.iffs.com.sg