| Imports center stage as trade fair changes focus |
SHANGHIA, Mar. 1 -- China's second-biggest trade fair, due to open in Shanghai today, will highlight a number of overseas exhibitors marketing innovative textiles and furniture as the nation encourages imports to ease the surging trade surplus.
The 17th East China Fair, which runs through until Tuesday at the New International Expo Center has drawn nearly 150 overseas firms.
They have booked 188 standard booths to showcase their products to Chinese manufacturers and consumers, said officials with the organizer, the Shanghai Foreign Economic Relations and Trade Commission.
Foreign exhibitors haven't attracted much patronage in previous fairs as the events were traditionally export affairs.
"But things have changed at this event," said Chen Zhangyuan, a commission official. "More new overseas firms came with novel products and second-time exhibitors brought newer and more competitive products."
First-time exhibitors like Canada-based Tide Fashion Co and Thailand-based Kodanmal Export Co will show off upmarket apparels and textiles.
British kitchen appliance maker Nexus will present cutting-edge products in the hope of tapping into the Chinese market.
Twelve South Korean fabrics and accessory makers will also show their advanced technologies at the fair.
In total, the fair has 3,522 exhibitors from home and abroad in a space of 103,500 square meters.
|
|
