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Shanghai Fair Kicks Off
Shanghai Fair Kicks Off
The 11th East China Fair has attracted more overseas exhibitors and foreign investors than in the past because of Shanghai's economic boom and China's impending WTO accession, the first day of the fair, which runs from March 1-7, indicated.
A total of 98 exhibitors from countries and regions including Japan, the United States, Canada and Hong Kong, are participating in the fair this year -- 80 per cent more than in the previous year.
"Last year I came to East China Fair as the leader of Japan's Osaka Prefecture Business Delegation; however, this year I am here merely as the representative of my own products," said Ichiro Ota, president of Nippon Kores K K Co Ltd.
According to Ota, last year's fair was a prelude for him to enter the Shanghai market.
After his visit, he was fully convinced that Shanghai customers will be interested in the environmentally friendly printing ink his firm produces.
At the same time, Ota believes WTO accession will make Shanghai's market more mature and transparent, which will attract more foreign investors.
Ota's opinion was shared by many other foreign participants.
Julia Copper, a US visitor, commented that the fair has expanded with more foreign exhibitors.
She said it will help the process of globalization in the East China market.
More foreign investors will implement technology transfers into the city as the demand for advanced high-tech products increases, Copper added.
An economic and trade delegation from Niigata, a Japanese prefecture, takes up eight booths in the exhibition hall.
According to the leader of the delegation, they had to increase from six booths last year, because of an overwhelming response from Niigata businesses wanting to take part in the fair.
"The number of booths is very significant. It suggests Japanese investors are increasingly interested in Shanghai's market, and are confident about China's economy. WTO entry will bring more business opportunities to China which will also benefit Japan," said the leader.
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