appointments 
ProPak China 2004, China’s largest and most important integrated processing and packaging trade event, now in it’s 10th year, is set to break all records when it takes place July 13-16, in Shanghai. Vicky Leung, Project Manager at show organiser China International Exhibitions (CIE) says,

"When we launched the show, a decade ago, we were confident that the market would grow and with it ProPak China. However it is the speed of the growth of the market that has surpassed our expectations. ProPak China has reflected this growth and, I am pleased to report that, ProPak China 2004 is expected to be four times the size of the first shows we ran in the mid- nineties."

Leung says, "ProPak China, despite numerous competitive events, has become the universally recognised event for the industry. In the early days we had very few Chinese exhibitors and would have the support of only one or two international pavilions. Today we have a close co-operation with China’s leading trade association for the sector, China Packaging Technology Association (CPTA) and for many key Chinese and international manufacturers ProPak China is their only trade event. Additionally for the 2004 edition we are expecting ten international pavilions: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Spain, Taiwan, UK and USA."

Dr Guido Corbella, president of UCIMA, Italy stated: "It’s a pleasure for UCIMA to support ProPak China 2004 with an official Italian Group participation. In the first nine months of 2003 China became the fourth biggest export market for Italian packaging machinery with sales growth of 49 per cent. We believe that in 2004 the relationship between the Italian and Chinese business community will be stronger and stronger."

Isidre Puigdemassa, director, AMEC-Envasgraf, Spain reported: "Continued economic development meant that the China market is becoming of greater interest to Spanish companies. We believe that ProPak China 2004 offers our companies an excellent opportunity to meet key buyers in this exciting and dynamic market."

China’s economic growth, and with it demand for improved packaging and processing, is set to continue into 2004 and far beyond. In 2003 the economy grew at its fastest pace for seven years, adding 9.1 per cent to GDP. The strong performance was due to growth in foreign trade and substantial increases in foreign investments. Chinese officials have set a growth rate target of 7 per cent for 2004 which is expected to be surpassed.

Due to a reduction of trade barriers and massive domestic demand China’s foreign trade rose sharply in 2003. Imports were up 40 per cent (US$413bn) while exports rose 35 per cent. Imports of packaging and processing machinery in 2003 totaled in excess of US$1bn. This figure is set to rise by 20 per cent in 2004.

Shanghai as China’s most dynamic city, leads the country in terms of growth, scale of economy and inflow of foreign investment. In 2002, the city had a GDP of US$65.22bn and a per capita GDP of around US$4,900, the highest in the country and five times the average. Shanghai is also the centre for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, fmcg and industrial goods and therefore home to ProPak China 2004.

Because ProPak China offers comprehensive processing, packaging and printing solutions it is a must-do event for buyers from all the major multinationals, joint ventures and major local producers. A. Dharwadkar, associate director, Proctor and Gamble India, and head of a multi-national global procurement team seeking technology for projects worldwide, says. "We chose to visit ProPak China 2003 as it gave us an excellent opportunity to compare alternative solutions and innovations from Europe, Asia and China – we know of no other show in Asia that attracts so many international companies.

The special focus for ProPak China 2004 will be the booming dairy and beverage sectors: DairyTek China 2004 and BevTek and BrewTek China 2004. Specialist seminars and conferences organised by leading associations will enhance the visitor experience. These include the East China Beverage Conference in association with the China Food Industry Association, Beijing and the Shanghai Food Industry Association as well as seminars organised by the China Cosmetic and Fragrance Association, China National Food Industry Association, SMFDA & STII + Health Supplement Association and China National Packaging Association - Packaging Technology Conference.

ProPak China 2004 is organised by China International Exhibitions and is marketed in Asean countries by International Expo Management and worldwide by Overseas Exhibition Services Ltd. All companies are members of the Allworld Exhibitions Alliance.