Chinese look to triple Sign and Graphic imaging presence

Dubai January 20, 2003

China, which has its first group participation at the Sign & Graphic Imaging show, that runs at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre until Tuesday night, says it is looking to triple its presence for the 2004 event.

Six Chinese companies, most ink and display product manufacturers, are at Sign & Graphic Imaging 2003, the Middle East's only specialised signage, graphic imaging and screen printing show, in a group organised by Shanghai-based Oriental International Company (OIC).

"We are extremely happy with results from the show," said Candy Tang, Sales Manager, OIC. "We believe there is huge demand for signage industry hardware in this region and hope to triple our pavilion size to 180 square metres next year to house more hardware producers.

"We are confident that Chinese companies can do very well here because they can provide products to international standards at a more competitive rate than their European or American counterparts."

Meanwhile, Seiko I Infotech Inc. of Japan, exhibiting at Sign & Graphic Imaging for the first time with its Middle East distributor Colour Byte LLC of Dubai, announced first-day orders from UAE and Kuwaiti buyers. The company used the show for the regional launch of SII, claimed to be the world's fastest large format printer. "On the first day we sold three machines. Two have gone to UAE buyers, the third to Kuwait's Al Najjad Group," said Mamo Miura, Area Sales Manager Europe, Seiko I Infotech Inc.

The SII, which costs US $23,000, prints 20 square metres per hour in 720dpi and uses ink that costs 70% less than the water-based version. "It is ideal for outdoor production because it delivers waterproof prints," said Miura. International Expo-Consults, which organises Sign & Graphic Imaging, says next year's show is likely to grow by a third. "The Chinese expectation that they will triple their stand size is yet another clear indication that this show can grow," said Mohammed Falaknaz, Vice Chairman, IEC.

Sign & Graphic Imaging 2003, which spans 4,500 square metres, is 40% larger than last year with 130 companies from 23 countries showcasing more than 350 brands. For the first time the show is hosting a dedicated screen printing, digital imaging and colour separation arena. The show's live demonstration zone for sign-making, laser technology, adhesives and graphics applications has also been enlarged.(keralamonitor.com)

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