CHINESE COMMODITIES FAIR OPENS IN SHARJAH

The Eight’th edition of the Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah got off to a great start at Expo Centre Sharjah.
CCFS 2009 was inaugurated jointly by Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports Authority, and H.E. Gao Yusheng, Ambassador of China in the UAE, on December 13.

It will run until December 16. The fair is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

 

Present at the ceremony were Mr. Gao Youzhen, Consul-General, the Consulate-General of China in Dubai, Mr. Xie Qinsheng, Economic and Commercial Counselor, the Consulate General of China in Dubai, Mr. Zhuang Ruijin, Eco.& Commercial Counselor, Embassy of China in UAE, Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr. Patrick Zheng Shuo, Chinamex General Manager, Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr Fasahat Ali Khan, Adviser to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah, and Yao Shenhong, Director-General, China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE), among other dignitaries.

Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, speaking after the opening ceremony, said that the Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah has an important role to play in the economic ties between the UAE and China.

“Apart from being a perfect economic partner, China can play a key role in further developing the industrial sector of Sharjah. Chinese trade and investments can also greatly enhance the creation of a highly competitive business climate in the country,” said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

Sharjah has a strong manufacturing industry, which is a key contributor to the UAE’s economic growth, and accounts for about 40 per cent of the total companies in the sector in the country.

“Apart from making available quality products at competitive prices, the Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah will also be a catalyst for better trade exchanges between the two countries. It will help in further strengthening the already strong business ties between the countries,” said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

According to latest figures, China is the third largest trade partner of Sharjah. External trade with China reached Dhs1.35 billion in 2006, Dhs2.32bn in 2007 and Dhs3.98bn in 2008. Trade is mainly concentrated on imports, with re-export and transit in second and third place respectively.

The Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah is featuring nearly 400 companies from 28 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

“Chinese ingenuity, technological know-how and craftsmanship from every corner of the country are now available in Sharjah through the Chinese Commodities Fair. About 400 companies have brought to Sharjah thousands of high-quality products and equipment, making CCFS one of the best sourcing points for regional companies and organisations,” said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

The four-day show is focusing on food and edible oil, light commercial vehicles and parts, electronics and IT poroducts and lighting and décor products.

“Regional companies that are looking at increasing their efficiency and productivity to ride out the present trying times should utilise the Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah to acquire the right equipment and products that will help them in this process,” said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan.

“CCFS 2009 is showcasing several innovative products that are making their regional and in some cases international launch. The show will serve as the best platform for trade representatives to see them first-hand and assess their suitability for their respective businesses,” added Mr Khan.

Two key innovations, among several others, from the land of the dragon that are being displayed at the show include a wing boat and a multipurpose off-road vehicle nicknamed ‘Hummer’.

The show is displaying vehicles & parts, hardware & tools, machine tools & parts, household electrical appliances, electronic products, foodstuff, medicines & health products, garments, household textile, commodities, kitchen utensils, lights & decoration products, building materials decoration materials and household furniture.

The total trade deals during the past six editions of the Chinese Commodities Fair Sharjah reached more the US$2.287 billion, reflecting the massive success of the previous editions of the show.

The CCFS, the region’s largest trade platform for high-quality Chinese products and services, also witnessed the participation of about 7,360 representatives from 3,458 Chinese enterprises during its past six shows.

Nearly 208,000 traders (including 117,000 professionals) from 67 countries and regions have negotiated and completed several deals amounting to US$2.287 billion during this period.

CCFS is open to traders from 10am to 1pm daily, while the general visiting hours are from 5pm to 9pm.

The show is being jointly sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and organised by Chinamex and Expo Centre Sharjah.