UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA, the international trade fair for packaging machinery, packaging production and packaging material, will open its doors in the Moscow exhibition centre Krasnaja Presnja from 26 - 29 January 2010. In spite of the effects of the global financial crisis, which has also hit Russia and neighbouring regions, the signs for the future indicate cautious optimism.

For instance, experts predict that Russia will experience economic growth in the years ahead, making it one of the most important consumer markets worldwide. The Russian population is striving for a higher standard of living and the Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association within the VDMA emphasised the great interest and the unrelenting demand for high quality equipment from the West, even if some investments have had to be postponed for the time being. Measures put in place by the Russian government have also been helpful in bringing about an upturn, for example, the abolishment of the import sales tax on a total of 200 types of machinery and equipment, including many used in the packaging industry, agreed this summer. The beneficiaries of this tax relief, which can account for as much as 18 percent of the price of a machine*, include manufacturers of injection moulding machines, vacuum forming machines and sleeve wrapping machines.

(*Source: Germany Trade and Invest – Gesellschaft für Außenwirtschaft und Standortmarketing GmbH, Berlin + Cologne.)

However, Moscow’s measure to combat the crisis by promoting high technology also gives a boost to domestic consumer goods, in particular in the food & beverage industry. This sector needs machines and plants from abroad, which give an effective boost to productivity and ensure quality in the long term, and West European suppliers remain highly sought-after in Russia.

These innovative products and services will be presented at the 18th UPAKOVKA/UPAK ITALIA 2010, which will once again feature a large number of international exhibitors next year. Germany, Italy and France will be represented as official group contributors.