First results for the Spanish trade fair

According to the organizer, the trade shows Equiplast, Expoquimia and Eurosurfas (Barcelona, September 30-October 3) have been marked by the boost to their international vocation. The number of high calibre visitors increased by 11% compared to the previous event. The three shows took place at the Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via exhibition centre and together accounted for more than 600 exhibitors, over 200 innovations, 300 business meetings under the umbrella of the Wicap forum, 50 global projects and 160 activities, including congresses, seminars, conferences and presentations. It was estimated that around 38,000 trade professionals had visited the Gran Via venue since 30 September. This is practically the same number of visitors as in 2011, but this year spread over one fewer day.

According to the show's director, Pilar Navarro, the results of this edition are very positive in that “they give us an indication that we're on the right track to becoming the future world chemical summit, an international bridge between science and industry”. During the show, Feique (the business federation of the Spanish chemical industry) announced the economic forecast for the sector for the coming two years, which envisages an increase in turnover of 3.2% in 2014 and of 4% in 2015, thus exceeding 59,300 million euros. Up until 2015, exports are expected to grow by 7.3%, turning over some 32,400 million euros.