ISTANBUL, Turkey - The Chamber of Chemical Engineers and sponsoring organizations have scheduled PAINT 2006 for May 17-19, 2006, in Istanbul, Turkey. This is the sixth congress and exhibition for the paint, varnish, ink and auxiliary products industries, which has been held every other year since 1995.

Turkey, with the 16th largest economy among the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, has a well-invested and sound infrastructure in paint and related industries, and is currently the sixth largest paint producer in Europe, exporting to 35 countries. Bridging the emerging markets of Middle East, CIS and Balkan states with technologically developed companies, Turkey offers opportunities for raw material as well as service suppliers. Thus, interest in PAINT congresses and exhibitions has grown steadily. The last exhibition in 2004 hosted 75 booths and received more than 2,000 visitors. For information, e-mail aakyurek@bilesim.com.tr.