First-ever Dubai China Sourcing Fair attracts over 7,100 buyers

With over 500 booths, the business-to-business Fair was the largest exhibition of China suppliers ever held in Dubai.

Global Sources' chairman and CEO, Merle A. Hinrichs, said:

'The fact that this new show was sold-out and buyer turnout was very strong qualifies it as a resounding success. The quality of the China suppliers represented and the professionalism of the buyers paves the way for our expanded show line-up for 2008.'

Representatives from many of the region's largest buying offices attended the Fair, including Carrefour, General Motors, Harrods, IKEA, Ladybird, Motorola, Pioneer, Unilever and Rubbermaid.

'The Dubai World Trade Centre is extremely pleased at the overwhelming success of the inaugural China Sourcing Fair,' said Dubai World Trade Centre Director General, Helal S.K. Almarri. 'The visitor numbers have exceeded our and Global Sources' expectations. The quality of the show was a credit to the organizer.'

Abdulrahman Moh'd Akbar from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: 'The trade show staff is extremely helpful and friendly. And the products are very much geared to the highest quality standard. Plus, the show is very well-organized.'

One visitor, Unilever Mashreq Assistant Buying Manager, Nahla El-Azmirly, said: 'The show is very related to our product categories as we are in promotional items. The show has provided great exposure to a lot of suppliers and a lot of variety. And we can see the quality as well.'

Experienced China Exporters, Wide Selection of Quality Products in the Spotlight

Exhibitors from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan displayed a wide range of products, including: gifts, premiums and toys; bags and luggage; health and beauty products; kitchen and household products; home décor products; home textiles; ceramics and porcelain; decorative lighting; and electrical appliances. Special pavilions highlighted consumer electronics, fashion accessories, and baby and children's products.

Special pavilions highlighted consumer electronics, fashion accessories, and baby and children's products.

One exhibitor, Huangyan Shuangma Plastic Manufacturing General Manager, Lorna Chen, said: 'Buyers in the Middle East and Africa are becoming more quality-conscious as incomes in the region go up. The buyers we met at the show were much more concerned with product features and design than price.'

The recent Global Sources China Supplier Survey: Middle East Export Opportunities shows that China Sourcing Fair exhibitors are experienced exporters to the Middle East. Of respondents:

- 58 percent currently export to the Middle East;
- 13 percent have exported to the Middle East for 20 years or more;
and,
- 78 percent have up to 19 years' experience exporting to the region.

Strong Interest in 'How to Source from China' Conference Program

An exclusive, multi-session conference program focused on 'How to Source from China.' Topics ranged from working with China suppliers and quality control, to payment processing, shipping and logistics.

- HSBC Bank Middle East Manger of Trade Business Development, Elroy D'Mello - 'Payment processes: Step-by-step advice on your options for moving money'
- PassageMaker Sourcing Solutions China Operations Director, Mike Bellamy - 'Finding that perfect China partner'
- Pro QC International Vice President, Michael L. Hetzel - 'Quality control processes: Making sure you're getting what you pay for'

New China Sourcing Fair Line-up for Dubai in 2008 - Gifts & Home Products, Electronics and Fashion Accessories

Global Sources plans to expand the Dubai show from one to three specialized China Sourcing Fairs in 2008. The three shows, Gifts & Home Products, Electronics and Fashion Accessories, are scheduled to be held June, 2008, at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre.