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China continues to grow despite the financial crisis
ZOW in Shenzhen acts as springboard for furniture suppliers

While markets the world over are collapsing and stock markets coming crashing down, the Chinese market is enjoying unabated growth. With annual economic growth of more than 8 % and a trade surplus of US$ 216 billion, the country is set to become an economic superpower. Shenzhen, the new boom town in Southern China, is an excellent example of this trend. China’s first ZOW supplier trade fair for the furniture industry and interior design will run here between 19-22 March 2009 at the heart of the country’s southern furniture province of Guangdong.

The furniture industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in China. In the first half of 2008 alone, exports rose by 28 % over the previous year and imports even increased by 33 %. Due to ongoing investments in the real estate industry, China’s domestic market is also in a good position. Sales prospects for international and Chinese furniture suppliers are very positive.   

ZOW in Shenzhen, which runs in parallel to the Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition (SIFE) in the middle of the furniture trade fair season, is the ideal springboard. Every March, SIFE attracts more than 60 000 visitors to the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre. It is organised by the SZFA, one of the most well-known national furniture associations, and is synonymous with first-class design and product quality. SIFE is the high-end trade fair amongst Chinese furniture trade fairs.      

There is a growing awareness of quality and the need to protect the environment in China. Premier Wen Jiabao recently said: "We want to achieve sustainable development by adopting a resource-conserving and environment-friendly approach." Chinese furniture manufacturers have recognised this trend and are developing new marketing strategies, most of which are aimed at the profitable upper price segment. Growing purchasing power in China, the country’s vast neighbour of Russia and several Asian emerging markets, such as India and Malaysia, are providing the basis for this.

ZOW – global network

ZOW trade fairs are held wherever national and international furniture suppliers can develop positive sales prospects. With six venues in China, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain and Turkey, this specialist trade fair with its unique workshop concept has gained itself a good reputation around the globe. At the heart of the trade fair concept you will find a clear presentation of exhibits and communication between exhibitors and visitors, which is encouraged by open spaces.

It is mainly the decision makers in companies working in the furniture industry and interior design who are invited to ZOW in order to facilitate effective customer meetings and transactions during the event. Ready-made complete packages for exhibitors, an open, transparent stand layout, and comprehensive visitor services such as free admission and catering make ZOW an attractive proposition for everyone attending while encouraging the creative aspect of the exhibition.

ZOW has a new, appealing home in the vibrant economic hub of Shenzhen. The SZFA and SIFE are the perfect partners for the venture. Here’s to good business despite the financial crisis!