Dubai China Sourcing Fairs attract 7,113 volume buyers

The three-day, co-located events included the China Sourcing Fairs: Gifts & Home Products, Electronics and Fashion Accessories.

The exhibitions grew 60% from 2007's inaugural events, and featured manufacturers from Greater China.

Visitors came from throughout the Middle East, North Africa and Europe to attend the 2008 Fairs.

Representatives from some of the top buying offices attended the Fairs, including Jumbo Electronics, Ace Hardware, Max department stores, Shoemart, Home Centre and others.

'There are lots of new products here, and a variety that you can't get in Dubai.

The UAE is one of the biggest growing markets at the moment.

Everyone from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain comes to Dubai to source.

It's the hub. It's important to meet people face-to-face under one roof. I will definitely come back next year,' said Rubina Khan, Managing Director of the UAE-based company Al Musalla.

'China produces the world's electronics. China is important because the prices are good. We're looking for GPS, AVL and navigators at the show. We first searched for manufacturers online, and today we had direct contact with them at the show. We expect to do business with those suppliers we met here. It's been a good opportunity for us,' said Pars Ta, Manager at the Tehran-based company Pars Ta.

'We have been very pleased with the success of this year's event,' said Global Sources Executive Director Sarah Benecke.

'Trade between China and the UAE grew 40% last year, to reach $20bn. As trade with the MENA region increases, it is clear that the China Sourcing Fairs can play a role in expanding those trade relationships by introducing the region's volume buyers to Greater China's competitive manufacturers,' added Benecke.