Austrade media release
15 September 2010
More than 250 companies will take part in Australia’s largest-ever offshore trade promotion at the 7th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) in Guangzhou, South China (Sept 15-18, 2010).
Australia will be guest of honour and event co-host with a 10,000 square metre Pavilion representing twice the area of Australia’s Shanghai World Expo presence.
CISMEF attracted 3,935 exhibitors and 254,600 visitors in 2009, with organisers claiming deals totalling A$20.6 billion.
Speaking at the official launch today Austrade’s Regional Director for North East Asia Laurie Smith welcomed the platform CISMEF offered to showcase Australian business talent in China.
“CISMEF will give Australian companies the chance to showcase their goods, services and capabilities to an estimated 250,000 people in our largest and fastest growing major market.
“In 2009-10 Australia’s merchandise exports to China increased 18.1% to reach over A$46 billion. In 2009 Chinese FDI into Australia tripled to reach A$9.2 billion, with total foreign investment from China doubling to A$16.6 billion.
“CISMEF has a particular role to play in helping Australian companies capture rapidly growing opportunities outside Beijing and Shanghai, including Guangzhou and 2nd and 3rd tier cities in the western interior.
“The Guangdong (Canton) province is the largest economy of any region in China, producing output worth over $US 500 billion a year. Guangzhou itself is the third largest urban economy in China and a gateway to rapidly growing cities such as Kunming, Chengdu, and Chongqing.
“Dedicated areas within the Pavilion will promote eight industry sectors: clean technology and green buildings, financial and business services, education and corporate training, creative industries, tourism, consumer products, food and beverage, and wine,” Mr Smith said.
CISMEF will be the venue for the first China-Australia Green Building and Eco-city Forum and will host around 200 senior Chinese officials in charge of urban planning and construction, environmental protection, water treatment, and energy saving.
L’Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival will host the feature fashion component with collections by Joveeba, Nevenka, Aurelio Costarella, Nicola Finetti Yeojin Bae, Dhini, Alpha60 and Limedrop.
More than 60 Australian wineries showcasing wine-growing regions across the country will be represented.
Underpinning the design of the CISMEF Australia Pavilion, CISMEF also sees the first large-scale application of Brand Australia ‘Australia Unlimited’ since the framework concept was first launched in Sydney (May 14) and internationally at the Shanghai World Expo (May 21).
Australia Unlimited will use the country’s many achievements across all sectors, to position Australia to the world as a unique, strong, fair and future-focused nation.
“Austrade is drawing on its resources of over 100 staff from 14 offices across China to coordinate Australia's efforts for the Fair,” Mr Smith said.
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