Plast Pack Africa - June 23-26, 2004, Kenya -- A Review

Plast Pack Africa – 2004 organised by Al Fazer, Dubai supported by AIPMA had 88 Exhibitors from 10 countries and 27 from India, which formed the India pavilion. This was the first focused exhibition on plastics in Kenya. It was well received and inaugurated by Hon. Petkays Miriti, Asst. Minister, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Kenya. Indian Ambassador Mr. Surendra Kumar was also present. During the inauguration Hon. Minister welcomed investment in Kenya and assured full support. Kenya is following economic reforms and expanding its market size with common market for Eastern and Southern Africa i.e. (COMESA). His vision is to make Kenya as a first choice investment destination. Indian Ambassador Mr. Surendra Kumar said this was the best and the largest participation of Indian Plastic Industry in Kenya and this should be maintained. He assured full co-operation of Embassy. He expressed his happiness to see our country pavilion i.e. India pavilion, and congratulated AIPMA President, Mr. Atre. Best part of Indian exhibitors in Plast Pack Africa was when around 2000 interested visitors came during the four days by paying an entrance ticket fee of US$ 5. Many visitors were from other African countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zambia, Malawi, etc. Nearly all exhibited machines were sold. Exhibitors were happy that they had only focused buyers as visitors. They were able to book fresh orders also. Now, Indian plastic industry is small but has started moving out for selling its product. A good beginning has thus been made in Africa. Kenya is a country of very good climate. Kenya exports tea, coffee and floriculture as main commodities for foreign exchange earnings and above all tourism. Current economy of Kenya is growing at a slow rate and investments are not much forthcoming but Mr. Surendra Kumar, Indian High Commissioner to Kenya said that there was a fantastic future, as Kenya is the Gateway to the African Market. Indian Plastic Industries are best suited to seize opportunities here and trade with Kenya will be very beneficial. Mr. Julius K. Kipng’etich, Managing Director of IPC – Investment Promotion Centre and Mr. C.O. Thomas – Second Secretary (Commercial& HOC) welcomed the delegation and requested that the Indian Plastic Industry should invest in Kenya. They welcome investment in Plastic Industry because Kenyan Plastic Industry is growing at the rate of 15 to 20%. This would also provide more employment. In the exhibition, all 88 exhibitors and visitors at AIPMA stall were given PF literatures. Most of them were already aware of Plastindia and would like to participate in or visit Plasindia-2006. The Plastindia 2006 Exhibition was well promoted through various channels of promotion. Africa as a whole, is a future market where Indians can sell their material and India can be a strong sourcing base for Africa in plastics. We can export machinery, dies and moulds, ancillary machines, raw-material, intermediate products and finished products. Kenya is signatory to WTO and they have rationalized their duty structure where import duties on raw material and machinery are nil.