DEMAND FOR WRITING INSTRUMENTS REMAINS STRONG DESPITE ADVENT OF ELECTRONIC AGE; ASIA-PACIFIC REGION TO DRIVE GROWTH WITH CAGR OF 5.3 % OVER THE 2000-2010 PERIOD

Despite the advent of the electronic age with its increasingly computerised, paperless work and domestic environments, global demand for writing instruments continues to grow steadily. In fact, market research has indicated that the world market for writing instruments was expected to be worth US $18.3 billion by this year.

Leading German trade fair and conference organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, who is bringing Paperworld Middle East – a trade event for office and paper products – to the region for the first time will tap into this market.

“Writing instruments remain popular the world over, despite changing methods of written communication,” said Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “Demand is growing, both for bespoke writing instruments at the high end of the scale and for more basic writing products in emerging economies,” he added.

Industry experts feel that growth in the developed markets will be largely driven by innovation and creative marketing. The Asia-Pacific, African and Latin American markets in this sector are set to grow at a considerably higher rate than the rest of the world. Projected growth rates in the Asia-Pacific region indicate a robust CAGR of 5.3 %over the 2000-2010 period for the writing instruments market.

Epoc Messe Frankfurt expects this buoyancy in the market to be reflected with strong interest in the sector at their debut trade show. Paperworld Middle East, will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 7-9, 2011, and seeks to establish a comprehensive trading and networking platform for those involved in office supplies, paper products and stationery in the region and beyond.

Many leading suppliers of writing instruments have already signed up for the event including: Lamy, Pelikan and Schneider Pens from Germany, and Al Gurg Stationery representing German brand Edding.  In addition Farook International Stationery from the UAE will showcase their own full range of writing instruments and other brands at the show include Lexi Pens, Rotomac Linc Pens, Elkos and Today’s Writing from India, Dollar and Signature from Pakistan and Simbalion, to name a few.

Paperworld Middle East, aside from writing instruments, will also feature office supplies, office and household papers, gift articles, greeting cards, stationery and school articles. The trade exhibition is based on the world leading trade fair in the industry, Paperworld, which will run from January 29^th to February 1^st in Frankfurt, Germany which is organised by leading trade fair organiser Messe Frankfurt.