Small household appliances made in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, have enjoyed an international reputation for outstanding quality. The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) Mechanical and Electronic Products Exhibition in June in Hanoi, Vietnam, confirmed the popularity of Ningbo products' abroad.
Ningbo sent a delegation of companies specializing in new energy, LED lighting, and mechanical and electronic tools to Hanoi from June 15 to 17, 90 percent of whom were taking part in the expo for the first time. Most companies gave positive feedback about Vietnam's huge market potential after the expo as they saw many business opportunities in the country's fast-developing infrastructure sector.
After attending the exhibition, a company from Ningbo that used to focus on the US market is turning its attention to emerging markets like Vietnam. Before departing for the exhibition, the company conducted a survey into the Vietnam market and chose some practical and moderately priced mosquito repellent products to display. They were warmly welcomed among the cafes and food stalls in Vietnam, according to a manager of the company.
Another company exhibited its LED lighting in Vietnam. A staff member said the company attended the event with three aims: to explore the market, to take the lead in the country's new energy market and to look for suppliers and agents.
Experts said the popularity of these products reflects demand for them in the Vietnamese market. The variety, quality and reasonable prices are the advantages Ningbo products offer.
"Before, I usually went to exhibitions in Middle East, but this time Vietnam gave me a big surprise", said a business owner, adding that the large number of visitors to his booth made him confident about next year's attendance.
CAEXPO is a platform to promote bilateral trade between China and countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The mechanical and electronic products exhibition, a division of the expo, features a variety of exhibits, including general machinery, construction machinery and smart electronics. Observers said this year's event in Vietnam gave local people a deeper understanding of China's productions and led to more business deals for Chinese companies.