HCM CITY — Some 200 organisations and enterprises from China have taken part in the second Chinese Chemical Industry Exhibition 2005, which opens today in the Military Zone 7's Sports Centre.

The three-day fair includes displays on products for industrial use, fertiliser and pesticides, techniques to protect plants and animals, dye manufacture, pharmaceutical, paint, and rubber products, and new technologies for the chemical industry.

"The event represents a great chance for Vietnamese businessmen to meet Chinese scientists, engineers and business people in the field," said Nguyen Van Ngan, director of the Viet Nam Advertising and Fair Company (Vietfair).

Organisers expect to attract over 10,000 visitors to the exhibition, whose displays will feature only catalogues, models, or videos on the products, due to Viet Nam's chemical substance import restrictions.

The exhibition comes on the heels of last year's successful fair in Ha Noi, which resulted in the signing of a total of US$18 million in memoranda of understanding.

"The ministries of industry, trade, health, agriculture and rural development are actively supporting the fair.

State-officials have carefully provided information on policy, development trends, and market information for Chinese partners to ensure the fair's success," Ngan added.

In 2004 China became Viet Nam's second largest trade partner, and was the number one importer of Viet Nam’s products, while being the fourth largest exporter to Viet Nam.

Import-export turnover in the chemical sector between Viet Nam and China reached $1 billion last year, while China imports raw material, mineral ores, and exports fertiliser and pesticides.

Viet Nam imports 30 per cent of its chemical products from China.

"Increased chemical product imports will be the trend for Viet Nam over the next five years in order to support industry. Therefore, Vietnamese leaders are inviting investment for technology transfer in the field," Ngan said.

Originally Published: www.pharm-chem.com