Attendees applaud fair for forging connections

Exhibitors have lauded the China International SME Fair as being a helpful and effective bridge to connect them with potential partners from different markets.

The fair, which began in 2004 in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, has developed into the largest of its kind in China. It creates opportunities for overseas SMEs to enter the Chinese market and supports Chinese SMEs that wish to go abroad.

Nearly 3,020 exhibitors from both home and abroad attended this year, including 668 overseas exhibitors from 39 countries, regions and international organizations such as Brazil, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

O. Ayeni Abimbola Kafilat, CEO of Bimkaf Palace, a Nigerian plant oil and food processing company with 13 full-time workers, said she had found potential partners at the fair that would help her export coconut oil from China.

"It's my first time in China. I didn't really expect it could be so fruitful," she said. "Hopefully we will sign agreements to decide the price and quantities before I leave."

Kafilat added that during a business matchmaking activity at the fair she had met with Chinese company Singfosolar, which offered to provide photovoltaic technology to her factory. Such technology could help combat the frequent power outages the factory experiences, she said.

The two companies will now further discuss the deal and hash out the details, according to Liu Shuiqing, president of the Dongguan-based company.

"Her requirements are very detailed and clear. We hope we can reach an agreement and find the best solution soon," Liu added.

Sri Lankan business owner Chula Samarawickrama, who runs a company with 70 workers called Summerreturn that manufactures and exports garments, handicrafts, tea and gifts, said she had been kept busy at the fair answering queries about her products.

"I am looking for Chinese partners to import our products into the Chinese market," she said.

"Some Chinese and foreign companies have shown an interest and I will keep in contact with them."

Other businesses present at the fair included Sanshin Kako, a Japanese company that specializes in making tableware for schools and hospitals.

Hidemasa Takashima, from the company's overseas business group, said this marked the second time the manufacturer had attended the event, adding that he was confident its products would soon be available in the Chinese market, once the right agents and distributors had been found.