The Society of the Plastics Industry Inc. in Washington is urging those interested in participating in its trade mission to China this summer to register by April 22.
SPI's Global Business Council, which is organizing the trip in conjunction with the Department of Commerce, wants at least 14 companies to participate, according to Karen Bland Toliver, SPI senior director of international trade and industry statistics. Eight to 10 firms had expressed serious interest as of April 12.
Participants will need to leave the United States by June 13 to be ready to join the June 15-23 mission to Shanghai and Guangzhou. The group will arrive June 19 in Guangzhou for two days of site tours before engaging in matchmaking sessions at Chinaplas 2005. The show runs June 21-24 and is expected to attract close to 60,000 attendees.
Registration for SPI members is $5,500 for individuals and $8,500 for companies, which allows multiple participants from the same firm. Nonmembers pay $8,500 and $13,500, respectively.
Toliver said the fee includes all transportation in China, mission-related meals and entry to ChinaPlas. Also included are all Commerce Department and embassy personnel costs associated with pre-screening prospective business partners, arranging matchmaking sessions and providing translators, as well as promoting the mission to prospective partners and business interests and in-depth market briefings.
Tentative appointments in Shanghai include visits to resin maker GE Advanced Materials, machinery supplier Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd., injection molder Yanfeng Visteon Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd., thermoformer Prent Shanghai Co. Ltd. and a Chinese film maker. The group also plans to visit the Waigaoquao Free Trade Zone Center near Shanghai, which facilitates exports into China.
Visits in Guangzhou will include various film and sheet producers, with other appointments still possible, Toliver said.
For more information or to register, contact Toliver at (202) 974-5333 or [email protected], or go online to www.plasticsindus try.org/business/international/05 trademission.htm.