Industry experts, professionals and buyers were gathered last week to explore the paper, commercial printing and packaging technology and solutions at an international tradeshow expo. Dubbed Afri Print & Packaging Expo (APPEx), nearly 70 exhibitors participated in the event held at the Skylight Hotel, Africa Avenue (Bole Road). Exhibitors such as Betselot Alemayehu, deputy manager of Avast Printing & Advertising, were excited to explore new and robust connections while the co-owner of Metal Gems, a company established three years ago. Ramzy Teshsome, exploring the market, said the price of one sheet metal has rapidly increased from 1,200 to 4,000Br in the past three years. Hosted by Prana Events in partnership with Expo Team for Service, the event organiser, Nebiyu Lema, recalled the fast-growing imports need for printing and paper-converting technology recorded a 14pc annual growth in the four years beginning in 2016. Over 3,000 visitors attended the event, where exhibitors shared their experiences as they were forced to look for alternatives in the face of the digital world replacing the print industry. President of the Ethiopian Publishers & Printers Association, Tefera Seyoum, admitted the print industry is on rocky roads and urged tax incentives. The decision by the Ministry of Education to publish students' textbooks abroad could be a good demonstration of the neglect of the domestic industry, demanding efforts to enhance the quality of prints locally. The Chemical & Construction Inputs Industry Development Institute under the Ministry of Industry is working on building a pulp factory in the next five years.
Loading your updates...