The event attracted 500 companies from 19 countries which sought to leverage business opportunities in Saudi’s huge industrial market — considered the largest and the most promising in the Middle East.

Saudi PP & PPSG is a bi-annual event that combines the International Plastics and Petrochemicals Trade Fair; the International Packaging, Printing, Sign and Graphics Technologies Exhibition; and Makinat Saudi Arabia — The International Trade Exhibition for Industrial Machinery, Machine Tools, and Equipment & Technology for Saudi Arabia.

Commenting on Germany’s participation with a national pavilion, Peter Hofmann, economic counselor, German Embassy, said: “This was an exciting fair for us because Saudi Arabia is one of the most important markets for petrochemical products in the world.”

Hofmann said Germany has also been bringing in several engineering products to the Kingdom to enhance its petrochemicals. German exports to the Kingdom in this field have seen a 6.5 percent growth during the first half of this year, in addition to packaging and other related sectors, he added.

Hofmann added: “Saudi PP & PPSG 2011 has offered an important platform for us to strengthen our existing partnerships while pursuing new ones.

With Saudi Arabia currently undertaking efforts to further diversify its petrochemicals business, Germany will definitely explore more business and investment prospects in the country and looks forward to participating in the next Saudi PP & PPSG.”

This year’s edition hosted national pavilions from various countries such as Austria, China, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and the UAE.

The event is supported by Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON).