An international exhibition for plastics, rubber and packaging, known as Plasto Ispack 2007, is being held in Tel Aviv, Israel, with seven Taiwan-based firms setting up exhibition booths to promote their plastics products.

Republic of China Representative to Israel Ting Gan-cheng visited Taiwan exhibitors Monday, cutting ribbons for them to play up their presence in the exhibition, according to a spokesman for the event.

During his visit, Ting also expressed his admiration for the Taiwanese companies' efforts to tap commercial opportunities at the exhibition and encouraged them to do their utmost to succeed in striking profitable deals.

Plasto Ispack 2007 was slated to be held in Israel last September, but was delayed due to a war between Israel and Lebanon last July and August, said the spokesman.

This time, the exhibition has gathered representatives of some 600 firms from Israel and abroad to showcase their products, the spokesman said.

Taiwan exhibitors include Feng Huang Plastic Co., Asmpack Inc., MaCoder Enterprise Co and Letmold Enterprise Co, Puli Paper Co., as well as Taiwan External Trade Development Council and Asia Pacific Magazine, according to the spokesman.

Among the exhibits, the newly-developed recyclable food containers by the Feng Huang Plastic Co. in Yunlin County have drawn a great deal of attention, the spokesman said, adding that the products are made from 70 per cent stone powder and 30 per cent plastic, are able to withstand high-temperatures and carry a price tag as low as ordinary plastics products.