HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi opens China Homelife Dubai; 1,000 Chinese suppliers eye Middle East market

Sheikha Lubna was joined by Zhang Yi, Commercial Counselor of the Economic and Commerce Department, Consulate General of the People's Republic of China who commended the 28 year history of bilateral trade relations between China and the UAE.

Zhang said, "Exhibitions such as the China Homelife Fair attract a large number of trade representatives from the UAE and throughout the Middle East which creates a good opportunity for Chinese manufacturers to set up fruitful business relations."

Visitors to China Homelife Dubai, running until Thursday 6 December at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, will see more than 15, 000 products on offer, available for Middle East buyers to purchase for commercial trade.

The GCC is the second-largest trade partner to China and the Middle East is the world's largest market for Chinese-made product exports; the show has seen a 300% increase in visitor space since the inaugural event in 2010.

Leading the charge at the event are the 120 suppliers from China's biggest names in the garments and textiles industry. The largest presentation of Chinese textiles to date anywhere in the world, the display will span two pavilions and is set to attract investment from regional distributors.

Organisers behind the exhibition, Meorient International Group, commented on the significance of hosting an event which allows Chinese exporters in the textile industry to reach key volume buyers in the Middle East.

Pan Jianjun, General Manager of the Meorient International Group said: "Industry analysts have projected the global fabrics and textile market to near US$2billion by 2015 and all signs indicate China will play an integral role in growing the sector.

"This is an important time to address how we can better engage with potential partners and customers in the Middle East. There is a great deal of expectation and optimism among our exhibitors who are providing products not currently available here."

According to customs statistics, China's total textile and apparel exports totaled some US$141.58 billion from January to July 2012. The show comes after latest figures released by the Ministry of Foreign Trade reported that trade between the UAE and China increased by 395% in the last ten years and now stands at US$15.6 billion.

Jiajun added: "We have seen a steady increase in this sector over the last six months in China and the show will offer exporters a key opportunity to introduce a series of premium offerings that have great potential in such a strategic market here."

Now in its third year, China Homelife Dubai has a projected 200 per cent increase in visitor numbers as the show welcomes importers, traders and volume buyers to source quality products from China at competitive prices.

Potential buyers can expect a wide choice of offerings as floor space has grown to accommodate more than 1,000 exhibitors across a range of home products. Highlight pieces include unique furniture, home appliances, kitchens and bathrooms, garden and leisure products and lights and lamps.

The exhibition is hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Information, the Hangzhou Government, Ningbo Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau and co-hosted by Chinese government departments in Shaozing, Nantong and Jiaxing provinces.