The local packaging industry has held an important position in the economy in recent years, and in many cases plays a crucial role in preserving products and promoting trade. However, as discussed during a seminar on the packaging industry in HCMC on June 29, the industry does not enjoy incentive policies   from the Government.

Packaging on display. The packaging industry does not enjoy supporting policies from the Government

Nguyen Ngoc Sang, chairman of the Vietnam Packaging Association (Vinpas), told local media on the sidelines of the seminar that the Government pays scant attention to policy-making for the industry.

Sang said the packaging industry does not have its own business industry code, and is still a sub-sector within other industries. He said it appears that there has been no supporting policies developed for the expansion of the industry.

Therefore, the domestic market has no standards, norms, and official growth statistics for this industry. Among manufacturers, however, packaging plays a rather important role in product preservation, and is also a factor which lures customers.

The packaging industry is expected to see higher growth in the near future. Therefore, many foreign investors have expressed interest in the Vietnamese market. Thanks to mergers and acquisitions, some foreign investors have acquired majority stakes in local packaging companies.

According to industry observers, the proportion of packaging products from foreign-invested enterprises on the local market has been on the rise in recent years. These companies are strong, in terms of competitiveness and production materials.

At the seminar, experts and enterprises also reviewed packaging trends which focus on thin, light, environmentally friendly, beautifully designed and printed packages.

SGT