The International Processing, Filling and Packaging Exhibition (PropakVietnam 2012) and the 2012 Plastics & Rubber Exhibition (PRV) openedat the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City onFeb. 29.

Propak Vietnam 2012 attracted the attendance of 196companies from 22 countries and territories. On display at theexhibition are the latest bottling, canning and packaging technologies.

Also,143 companies from 17 countries and territories operating in aviation,automobile, electricity, electronics, interior decoration, health care,pharmacy, household utensils, packaging, entertainment and constructionproducts are attending the Plastics & Rubber Vietnam Exhibition.

A number of seminars will be held during the three-day exhibitions.

Exhibitionorganisers said Vietnam is an emerging market that has drawn theattention of foreign business and become a market for international anddomestic companies.

President of the ASEAN Federation of PlasticsIndustries (AFPI) Ronald Lim said Vietnam is developing into a worldproduction hub and has attracted the largest foreign direct investment(FDI) influx among ASEAN members during the past 10 years. Its plasticsand rubber industries are experiencing dramatic growths, he added.

Meanwhile,commercial attache of the Austrian embassy Gerhard Schlattl highlightedVietnam’s economic growth and said Austrian stalls at the PRV willfacilitate the two countries’ businesses in seeking investmentopportunities and trade development cooperation.

Representative fromthe German Engineering Federation Peatrix Fraese said Vietnam is one ofthe 10 important Asian markets for packaged food and beverage./.