Sourcing in Asia

This year the China International Hardware Show Powered by Practical World is being held in Shanghai from October 23 to 25. The organisers – Koelnmesse and the China National Hardware Association – are talking of a ten per cent increase in exhibitors compared with last year. They expect 1 700 firms to attend, and for them to occupy a gross show space of 80 000 m² in total. The emphasis in the product ranges on display will extend right through the categories of tools and do-it-yourself. The majority of exhibitors come from China and the Asian region, of course, though some European companies also make use of the fair as a springboard into the Asian market. For example, being organised this year for the first time is an Italian pavilion in Hall 1, where a group of Italian companies will introduce themselves to the Asian market. Companies from Germany, Finland, Italy and Switzerland will also be represented there, along with Canada, Japan and Australia. Visitors who register in advance through the internet (www.cihs-practicalworld. com) will not only be allocated free entrance tickets, but will also avoid queuing at the ticket office. Just under 35 000 visitors attended last year’s event to obtain an overview of the new products on display at this hardware, DIY and garden trade fair, the biggest of its kind in Asia. Having premiered last year, the “Presidents Council Buying Day” will this year again be a feature of the programme. It is designed as a forum to bring together buyers and suppliers. The fair management has been fortunate to attract the “Home Improvement Presidents Council” umbrella organisation as a partner in this enterprise. And for the first time there will be the offer of a seminar within the framework of the event, where decision-makers from leading European and North American buying or trading groups will present their companies and buying procedures. Obi, the number one DIY group in Germany, is to be involved in the event this year.
Download: