Chinese Fair Opens In Sharjah

The sweeping economic reforms unleashed recently by China and the Sino-GCC free trade agreement that is expected to be signed soon will open up Chinese markets to regional investors in a big way.

This is expected to further boost the already strong trade exchange between the UAE and China, according to officials and businessmen from both the countries who have converged on Sharjah for the largest Chinese fair in the Middle East.

The 12th Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah (CCFS) was opened by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qassimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, at Expo Centre Sharjah on Dec 16 (Monday). It will continue until Dec 18 (Wednesday).

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; and Mr. Patrick Zheng Shuo, General Manager, China Machinery & Electronics Products Exhibition Center (Chinamex), and Mr. Xiao Fenghuai, Head of China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges and Ms. Cong Hongxia, Head of Jilin Provincial Department of Commerce who led the Chinese enterprises to CCFS Sharjah.

“The UAE-China trade is on a strong footing, with bilateral trade registering a double-digit growth so far this year. I am sure that the economic reforms announced by China and the mega infrastructure projects being under taken in the UAE and the rest of the region will further boost these trade exchanges,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

“The FTA with GCC will work both ways – while it will ensure crude oil supply for China, it will encourage GCC investors to set up shop in China and take advantage of the growth momentum in that country,” added Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa. The petrochemical enterprises in the GCC have a ready market in China, where they could promote industry efficiency and reduce energy prices, he added.

China has pledged to push sweeping economic and social reforms in the next decade to unleash fresh growth drivers for the world’s second-largest economy, including the gradual opening of Chinese markets which will give more opportunities to GCC investors to tap into Chinese growth. Experts believe that a gradual liberalisation of the currency will also be on the cards.

The proposed FTA will also help Chinese enterprises further explore the Middle East market, which has strong demand for Chinese goods such as electronics, home appliances, vehicles, building materials, machinery, industrial products, toys and agriculture products & fertilisers.

“For over a decade, the Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah has been a facilitator of trade and economic activities between the UAE and China. Now, with the Chinese reforms set to unfold and the soon-to-be signed FTA, the exhibition assumes vital significance for both the countries,” added Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

“For Chinese manufacturers and distributors, the CCFS is a significant platform to reach out to the high-growth markets in the region. The interest in CCFS is very strong this year, and the UAE’s winning bid for World Expo 2020 has come as the icing on the cake after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. These events are sure to generate good demand for cost-effective Chinese products, equipment and technology,” said Mr. Patrick Zheng Shuo.

“The 22 Arab countries as a whole is China’s largest oil import region. The bilateral trade volume between China and Arab countries in 2012 stood at US$222.4 billion, with a year-on-year growth of 14%. From January to June 2013, the bilateral trade volume between China and Arab countries has reached US$115 billion, a 2.9% growth than last year,” added Mr. Patrick Zheng Shuo.

While CCFS continues to be the largest such fair in the region for Chinese goods, for its 12th edition, the show will focus on green food, with the exhibit profile focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables & grains, dry fruits, beverages and frozen food.

More than 150 exhibitors are also showcasing fast food and puffed food processing equipment, traditional arts & paintings, building materials, irrigation & water saving technologies, wood craft, textiles, glassware, metal products, cast iron & cast copper crafts, electronics, IT products, garments, footwear, hardware, chemicals, machine parts, etc.

The exhibition will be held until 18th December at Expo Centre Sharjah and the timings are from 10am to 6pm daily.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Dec 16, 2013

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