Beijing Int'l Fair to Become China's First Fair for Consumer ProductsThe 7th Beijing International Fair 2001 (BIF) will be held April 3-6 next year, in the China International Exhibition Center.And starting from this event, BIF, a former comprehensive fair, will only specialize in exhibiting consumer products, the first of its kind in China. The move aims to follow the country's economic development, according to the organizer. In 1989 when first BIF was held, there were few exhibitions in the country and residents' income were low, therefore, a comprehensive fair featuring low-priced products may well satisfy market demand. However, with the rapid development of the country's economy and a surge of its residents income, there is increasing demand for specialized exhibitions, especially for consumer products. In 1999, the annual disposable income of the country's urban residents climbing to 5,854 yuan while the net income for rural residents to 2,210 yuan, with a almost saturated market for basic consumer products and a rising market for middle and high grade ones. However, among the numerous exhibitions throughout the country, there is not yet any one that specializes in consumer products, therefore, the changes of BIF cater to market demand, the organizer said. The 7th BIF, designed to promote Sino-Foreign trade development and economic cooperation, will have 10 exhibition halls, including Hall for Overseas Businesses, Hall for Home Electric Appliances and Hall for Family-Used Cars. The organizing committee of the fair has been formed, which consists of 17 ministries of the State Council and senior officials of the Beijing Municipal Government with Shi Guangsheng, minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, as the head. |
| People's Daily Online --- http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/ |