| Canton
Fair Expects More Exhibitors on Bigger Venue and Extended Time
|
from:kenfair.com 2008-08-06 |
| The
twice-yearly China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton
Fair, sets to attract 21,600 participants this October, up 20 per
cent from the April event, according to Wang Junwen, the director
general of the China Foreign Trade Centre, which is the official
show organizer. |
Despite
slower export growth, the organisers of the mainland's biggest
trade fair remained positive towards a growth in exhibitor and
visitor numbers because they have extended the exhibition period,
increased exhibit categories and moved the fair into a new venue
complex.
|
| The
fair is scheduled for October 15 to November 6, adding 3 more trading
days to the previous 12. Mr. Wang said the fair would also expand
exhibit categories from the previous 5 into 15 and increase the
number of booths to 54,000 from 42,000. With a move into a new complex,
the exhibition area will measure 340,000 square metres, 3 times
larger than the old complex. |
| However,
it is said that the organisers may have a tough time ensuring an
increase in participants due to the softer export growth amid a
slowing global economy and some disappointment at the April fair.
|
| Mainland
exports slowed to a growth rate of 17.6 per cent in June from 28.1
per cent in the previous month. In the first six months of the year,
export growth decelerated to 21.9 per cent compared with 27.6 per
cent the same period a year ago. The trade surplus for the first
half dropped from US$112.3 billion to US$99.04 billion, down 11.8
per cent from a year-earlier period. |
The
narrowing trade surplus reflected both slowing export demand but
also resilient import demand despite the continuing credit tightening,
according to a report by Goldman Sachs. "Therefore, the decline
in the trade surplus should be viewed as a positive and necessary
adjustment that is needed for China to return to a more balanced
and sustainable growth pattern," the report said.
|
In
April, the fair sent 366,000 invitations to buyers across the globe,
but on its normally bustling opening only 7,200 had showed up, with
US buyers noticeably missing.
|
Mr.
Gao repeated that the ministry was aware of the pain felt by low-end
exporters, especially at labour-intensive industries such as textile
manufacturers and toy makers. "We will pay close attention
to exports and try to co-operate with other government departments
to keep foreign trade sound and healthy," Mr. Gao said.
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