The 14th ASEAN Federation of Plastics Industries (AFPI) Conference and the 22nd Asia Plastics Forum (APF) brought together more than 300 delegates from 11 nations, examining the real situation and development trends for the plastics industry in member states as well as the entire ASEAN bloc.
The Hanoitimes - The 14th ASEAN Federation of Plastics Industries (AFPI) Conference and the 22nd Asia Plastics Forum (APF) brought together more than 300 delegates from 11 nations, examining the real situation and development trends for the plastics industry in member states as well as the entire ASEAN bloc.
In his opening speech, AFPI President and Secretary General AFPI Ronald Lim stressed that to overcome difficulties such as price fluctuations, labour shortages, and high production costs, AFPI member states need to raise their capacity and productivity to sharpen their competitive edge.
"Current global events have caused challenges affecting plastic enterprises, including the pressure of globalisation and liberalisation of the economy. This has forced us to rethink the way we do business," Ronald Lim said.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa said the plastics industry in ASEAN nations has recorded steady growth of 9 percent annually even though it is in its infancy compared to other industries.
She said the plastics industry in Vietnam has continually developed to meet both export and local demands and is striving to reach 17.5 percent growth in the 2011-2020 period.
At the conference, representatives of ASEAN-member countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Vietnam, plus Japan, India and China, discussed issues facing the industry.
Shrinking demand, a sharp decline in plastic prices, fluctuating material prices, soaring energy prices, labour shortage and high operating costs are just some of the many challenges facing the plastics sector.
At the conference, country reports were presented on the plastics industry outlook.
According to the Malaysian Plastics Industry Association, the plastics industry is anticipated to register mild growth of 2-3 per cent for this year, similar to last year. The growth will be driven by the export of packaging materials.
Developed economies are facing high costs, so they are looking for high-quality products at reasonable prices.
"For the long term, the industry will shift to higher value-added activities as costs are expected to increase further. Training of skilled labour and technical upgrades are vital," the representative said.
The Philippine Plastics Industry Association said its objective was to promote a level playing field in the industry, both in the domestic and international market.
It would keep the industry updated with the largest trends in technology, production processes and new products.
Speakers for the Vietnam Plastics Industry and the Singapore Plastics Industry said their countries would continue to focus on increasing polymer production capacity, which is integrated with corresponding petrochemical expansion.
In Singapore, all petrochemical facilities are nearing mechanical completion and downstream polymer production has been expanded. More than 5 million metric tonnes of polymer are expected to be produced per year, with a higher level of exports expected.
Upon completion of the facilities in 2015, petrochemical capacity will be increased by 2.5 million tonnes and synthetic rubber to 450,00 tonnes.
The Vietnam Plastics Association said it was issuing the monthly Nhua&Cuoc Song magazine (Plastics&Life) which would include the latest information on production, markets and technology.
Vietnam's plastic industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country.
The 14th AFPI council ended yesterday and by rotation based on alphabetical order, the AFPI chairmanship will be turned over to Thailand. Singapore will continue as the AFPI Permanent Secretariat.
On the same day as the conference, the 22th Asian Plastic Forum began in HCM City. The forum focused on sustainability, attracting nearly 300 delegates from 11 Asian countries.
