A first for Morocco: a new coatings event for North Africa attracted visitors from around the world.

Congress proved to be a success with a well attended show and conference. It was a focused event at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Casablanca, Morocco with some 33 stands and a busy two-day coatings conference. For some locals it provided a first view of a coatings show.

The event took place

The exhibition provided an opportunity for suppliers of raw materials and products used in the manufacture of paints and adhesives to meet prospective contacts in a new and exciting market.

Ideas presented

Some 11 papers were presented over the two days of the conference from Egbert Brinkman from Akzo Nobel on 'Smart' theology resins to Christian Ludwig of Atlas who spoke of laboratory simulations to test coatings for weathering. There was even a speaker from China--Laurence Wang from Sichuan Luman Titanium Industry.

Keith Middleton from Eastman spoke of the growth in water based coatings for the increasingly important architectural market.

Comments on the show were mixed but most exhibitors and visitors were looking forward to the next one.

Alain Stevaert, sales manager, Elcometer reported 30 contacts made on the first day and 20 contacts made on the second day. 'We had visitors from Algeria and Tunisia. The pre-publicity worked as people were coming with the letter of invitation in their hands. We will definitely be in Tunisia next year and we would like to be in Morocco again in 2006.'

Nigel Rose, managing director, Sheen Instruments, said: 'It has been a very interesting exhibition and conference with a number of possibilities for the future. We will be looking at the Tunisian exhibition next year and we are likely to do something in Morocco in 2006. I expect that Morocco with have developed even further by then. If it follows on from the successful Vietnamese forum this will become a regular focal point for coatings meetings in Morocco:

Samira Chofqi, commercial manager from Quimigranel Maroc said that both afternoons had been very busy and that the company, co-exhibiting with Eastman Chemicals, had made lots of contacts. 'There are lots of exhibitions in Morocco but up to now nothing for the coatings industry. We welcome a coatings event in Morocco,' she said.

Tim Mangan, UK sales manager for Eiger Torrance was cautious. 'I have seen the big boys. I am waiting to see the results. The venue is very good and the surroundings are good with a friendly local flavour,' he said. Language had been a problem for him and he said that next time he would need an interpreter.

Jameel Barlas, area sales manager, from Rockwood Additives, said that the afternoons had been better than the mornings for visitors. He would like to see the show to return to Casablanca but at a different venue.

Wim Huivenaar, regional sales manager, Fast & Fluid Management, said: 'The local people are very price orientated and not searching for quality. It was a good start for a new show.'

Laurence Wang from Sichuan Lemon Titanium Industry in China was very pleased. 'It was a very good show. We saw more people than expected. We will come again to Morocco and well as to the shows in Cairo and Dubai. I also enjoyed the conference. It was a pleasure to take part.'

Cristal were reserving judgment. George Sutheran-Lott technical advisor to Cristal said: 'It was essential for local paint companies to be here.'

The North African Coatings Show complements the main Middle East Coatings Show held every year but alternating between Cairo and Dubai venues. The next Middle East Coatings Show will be in held from. 15-16 February 2005--Cairo International Conference Centre, Cairo, Egypt.

The next North African Coatings Congress is in Tunis, Tunisia on 13-14 November 2005. Further details of this exhibition will be available shortly.

The North African Coatings Congress will return to Casablanca in 2006 and is scheduled for 5-6 September 2006

For more information

Free visitor information is available from the Coatings Group, dmg world media, Queensway House, 2 Queensway, Redhill, Surrey RH1 1QS, UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 1737 855284 Fax: +44 (0) 1737 855034 or 855469

E-mail: tickets@uk.dmgworld media.com Website: www.coatings group.com

For stand information on any of the shows contact Jeff Montgomery on, telephone: +44 (0)1737 855078.