The International Processing, Filling and Packaging Exhibition (Propak Vietnam 2012) and the 2012 Plastics & Rubber Exhibition (PRV) opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center in Ho Chi Minh City on Feb. 29.

Propak Vietnam 2012 attracted the attendance of 196 companies from 22 countries and territories. On display at the exhibition 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 construction products are attending the Plastics & Rubber Vietnam Exhibition.

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

Exhibition organisers said Vietnam is an emerging market that has drawn the attention of foreign business and become a market for international and domestic companies.

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

Meanwhile, commercial attache of the Austrian embassy Gerhard Schlattl highlighted Vietnam’s economic growth and said Austrian stalls at the PRV will facilitate the two countries’ businesses in seeking investment opportunities and trade development cooperation.

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