The annual grand event for international exhibiting- the 4th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO2008) and the 9th China International Exhibition and Conference Show were held during January 14-16 in Chengdu. This is the first time for the forum to be held in an inland city, after its first three sessions in such major cities for exhibition as Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.  Under the theme of “Converging strength for growing”, 550 plus professionals from 18 countries and regions engaged in an in-depth exchange of views. Exhibition leaders at home and abroad focused on the development of exhibition industry, those Chinese cities as exhibition newcomers, and the growth potential of emerging forces.

The forum is another occasion for cooperation between CCPIT, UFI, IAEM and SISO, after first three sessions in 2005, 2006 and 2007 in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. This is the first time for a western Chinese city to host such a grand international event. Luo Haocai, VP of the CPPCC National Committee delivered a speech at the CEFCO2008 opening ceremony. CCPIT Chairman Wan Jifei delivered an opening speech on behalf of the hosting party. Chengdu Mayor Ge Honglin also delivered a speech.

Pic1: CCPIT Chairman Wan Jifei is giving the opening speech

Wan indicated that the CEFCO forum is at a new starting point after its first three sessions. Choosing Chengdu as the spot is for developing potential for newcomers, and to draw more international attention to western exhibition industry. Wan said that China has been now one of the big powers in exhibition industry. Domestic exhibition industry has never been more active, and five exhibition industrial belts have been forged, with more and more cities as exhibition newcomers. But overall, China’s modern exhibition industry is still at an early stage, with several problems which cannot be overlooked. Faced with economic globalization and opening up, China’s exhibition industry should actively seek strategic readjustment and strategic cooperation, equipped with an open mind and an international perspective. He also said that China’s relevant departments are working to standardize and promote China’s exhibition industry, to enhance the system of industry self-regulation, to strengthen IPR protection, and at the same time to develop a set of industry standards catering to Chinese characteristics, which was a big concern at this year’s forum.

  Pic2: President of International Expo Association is delivering a speech

Pci3: President of International Exhibition and Project Association is giving a speech

Pic4: CEO of Independent Exhibitor Association is giving a speech

Pic5: CCPIT VP Wang Jinzhen presides over the forum

During the three-day meeting, attendees discussed five topics, namely " Impact of China’s future macroeconomic trends and industry developments on the exhibition industry", "Experiences and strategies of exhibition leaders at home and abroad", “New opportunity facing China city exhibition”, and “Exhibition assessment and standard-setting”. At the same time, group meetings were also held on issues like “Management of modern exhibition”, and “Decision-making model for younger generation purchasers”. Over the same period the 9th China International Exhibition and Conference Show was also a good chance for professionals to show themselves. At the meeting, CCPIT Wang Jinzhen announced the “Report on Chinese exhibition industry 2007”.

After three years’ hard work, CEFCO has become China’s top forum in this field, also enjoying international awareness. It serves as a platform for exchanges between China and international community, between government and NGOs. This forum features high starting point and large-scale. Vice Premier Wu Yi attended the first forum and delivered a keynote speech. Gu Xiulian, VP of the National People’s Congress, and Xu Kuangdi, vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee gave a speech in the second and third sessions respectively. China State Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Commerce and local governments are fully supportive to the Forum. At each year’s forum, hundreds of representatives from all over the world are invited. More than 100 made wonderful speeches at the forum. The 9th China International Exhibition and Conference Show have also been fruitful.

The 5th CEFCO will be held in 2009 in Nanjing.