Match and meet in Shanghai

Last year's China International Hardware Show (CIHS), which took place on 22-24 October 2017 in Shanghai, attracted a similar number of visitors and exhibitors to last year. Nearly 3 000 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions presented their products to over 50 000 visitors (2016: 52 175 visitors) from more than 90 countries.
This year, a Match & Meet Programme was launched for participants to establish effective business partnerships, and enhance the value to exhibitors. Sales objectives of exhibiting companies were pre-matched with procurement needs from registered visitors. To encourage participation, a VIP Lounge and Food & Beverage Area were also established. Buyers from major retailers welcomed the initiative and reportedly concluded orders at the event, according to the organiser, Koelnmesse.

A few days before the show, the 54th IHA Congress (International Federation of Hardware & Housewares Association) was held in Shanghai. The congress focused on new situations, trends and demands in China and the global economy. At the same time, new concepts, practices and opportunities for the future were presented. More than 500 hardware professionals from countries such as the US, Japan, France, Germany, England, Italy, Sweden, and Australia were in attendance. The congress was presided over by Xin Guobin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, Zhang Chonghe, Chairman of the China National Light Industry Council, Jean Francois Dubost, Chairman of IHA and Shi Senglan, President of the China National Hardware Association, the co-organisers of the CIHS. Updates on the various retail markets worldwide were delivered by speakers including Bill Lee, CEO of NRHA (North American Retail Hardware Association), Ray Baker of the European DIY retail association Edra and senior executives of Alibaba.
The CIHS 2018 will take place from 22 to 24 October.