The FAPGA is an apex body of print organisations in Asia and Pacific regions. As a prime association, it brings forth the latest trends, technologies and innovations to print and packaging businesses across its member countries while creating a platform for them to network.

Mehta’s presidency tenure will be from 2022 to 2024.

Organised by All-India Association of Master Printers (AIFMP), the FAPGA event returned to India after a gap of nine year. The last time the event was held was in New Delhi in 2013.

Speaking to PrintWeek, Mehta said, “It is indeed an honour. What’s more overwhelming is the love of my fellow printers and the expectations they have from me after the world has undergone major economic and habitual crises with respect to the pandemic. I look forward to encouraging my fellow printers from Asian and the Pacific countries, by letting them connect and explore more opportunities in the world of print plus packaging.”

According to Mehta, what AIFMP is to the Indian print and packaging industry, FAPGA is to print organisations across Asia and Pacific regions.

The event, titled Awesome Asia, was attended by the representatives from the 16 member countries. The FAPGA member countries are Australia; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; China; India; Indonesia; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; New Zealand; Nepal; Philippines; Sri Lanka; Thailand and Vietnam.

During his concluding remarks, Mehta said, “The Forum of Asia Pacific Graphic Arts aims at supporting print organisations of its forum countries across Asia and Pacific regions. It will be my continuous endeavour to take this mission forward by creating platforms that enable you all to connect and explore more opportunities across our printverse, and globally. Together, let us discover newer horizons and incorporate revolutionised printing methods resulting in progressive exports, joint ventures and collaborations.”

He said his agenda during his tenure will be to evolve Indian print and packaging companies with respect to newer spheres, such as digital, artificial intelligence, exports, etc, on an Asia-Pacific platform.

“As a president, I would like to introduce enhanced technologies, design common platforms for printers by erasing geographical boundaries – a trend that internet and digital media have already paced during the lockdown,” he added. “I would also emphasise on promoting knowledge and knowhow amongst the gen-next printers. In focus would be knowledge and networking seminars as well as students’ exchange programmes for about three weeks where the participants would be stationed at various printing houses, visit on-going print expositions, etc.”

He concluded, “To reiterate Peter Lane’s words in 19th FAPGA Forum in Philippines, cooperation and collaborations are required to overcome challenges in the print business. My role would be to find ways and encourage cooperation that goes beyond geographical borders and make them connect at regular intervals for discussions. This would, in a way, be conducive for long-term collaborations among Asia Pacific Printers.”