Iraq Plast & Agro Pack 2024 in Erbil are on track to surpass all previous editions and become the largest plastics & agrofood event in Iraq to date.

The overwhelming demand has prompted the organizers, So Fuar and fairtrade, to use both halls of the Erbil International Fairground to offer attendees a comprehensive and intensive experience.

This expansion allows for a clearly defined thematic structure and reflects the commitment to delivering an unparalleled event that meets the diverse needs of exhibitors and visitors alike.

The 5th edition of Iraq Plast in hall 2 gathers leading international and national suppliers of plastics raw materials as well as machinery and equipment for plastics processing.

At the same time, Agro Pack Iraq, also in hall 2, focuses on technology and materials for food and beverage processing and packaging.

In hall 1, Food Iraq as a platform for the presentation and trading finished food & beverages, and Agro Iraq will round off the offer.

Iraq‘s imports of plastic raw materials grew by 24% annually between 2011 and 2020, from 40 kt to 285 kt.

The country’s plastic consumption per capita increased by 23% annually over the past years, from 0.5 kg in 2009 to 7.2 kg in 2022 and is estimated at 9.0 kg in 2026. (EUROMAP)

The Iraq Plast trade fair plays a pivotal role in enhancing Iraq's self-sufficiency. It serves as a significant testament to the nation's commitment to bolstering local production and the "Made-in-Iraq" initiative.

Recent statistics from the German Engineering Federation VDMA reflect this commitment.

• Iraq’s imports of plastics technology were up with an annual growth rate of 18.6%, from €20 million in 2017 to €47 million in 2022.
• Iraq’s printing & paper technology imports have grown by 47.6% annually, from €5 in 2017 to €35 million in 2022.
• Imports of packaging technology increased by 6.5% annually, from €49 million in 2017 to €67 million in 2022. (VDMA)

See detailed figures on the Iraqi plastprintpack market.

The success story of Iraq Plast & Agro Pack continued also with the 2023 event as 222 exhibitors from 16 countries showcased their innovative products and solutions to thousands of trade visitors from around Iraq and the entire region. Notably, a significant portion of these attendees were esteemed Hosted Buyers, joining in delegations.

The exhibitors came from Austria, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.

The astounding number of trade visitors surpassed the exhibitors' expectations by far, underscoring the immense interest and substantial investment prospects within the Iraqi agrofood & plastprintpack industry.

The event started with a bang on 19 September 2023 when it was opened by some of the most prominent figures in the industry:

• Mrs Begard Talabani, Minister of Agriculture
• Mr Sawar Kamal Hawari, Deputy Minister of Trade & Industry
• Dr Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Board of Investment
• Mr Omed Khoshnaw, Governor of Erbil

Egypt, Germany, India, Iran, the Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, and Türkiye were represented by their respective Consuls General.

Plast Iraq & Agro Pack took place at the prestigious Erbil International Fairground from 19 to 21 September 2023.