That's one reason for renewed interest in Expopak 97, the packaging technology show for Mexico and Latin America. It's scheduled for June 3 to 6 at Mexico City's Sports Palace, and is jointly sponsored by Oprex (Mexico City, Mexico) and by PMMI (Arlington, VA).
Some Mexican agents for U.S. machinery builders reported a record year in 1996, due in large part to sales increases late in the year. The foods and pharmaceutical markets in Mexico appear to be the fastest growing now, says Izquierdo. In packaging machinery alone, Mexico accounted for $65 million in just nine months of last year. Another $75 million in sales went to the balance of Central and South America.
Expopak expects to have some 350 exhibitors to attract 15ęŻ attendees from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Concurrent with the exposition, the Mexican Packaging Assn. (AMEE) also plans to hold its 12th Packaging Congress at the Hotel Nikko.
On Monday, June 2, the Congress begins with a welcome from JuliSigman Jiménez, president of AMEE. After encouraging remarks from Mexico's President, Ernesto Zedillo, Jiménez returns to discuss Packaging's role in the environment and in international trade.
Later that morning, Mexican packaging manufacturers report on trends in each segment of the packaging field: Plastics, metal, glass, paper and corrugated and aseptic packaging. After lunch, the industry reports continue on Flexible packages and export packaging. Celina Moreire of Spain will talk about European environmental packaging legislation, followed by the awarding of the Envase Estalar packaging awards.
On Tuesday, June 3, the Congress opens with an official from the National Inst. of the Environment discussing Packaging in Mexico. After a look at Mexico's elections from René Delgado, Bar coding is the topic before Alex Marquez offers Vitamins for Mexican Enterprises.
Following is a list of exhibitors in the PMMI pavilion and other companies that have a U.S. presence.