The focus on the mainland is increasingly shifting to more sophisticated products, opening up new opportunities for foreign buyers MORE THAN 1,250 exhibitors are ready to dazzle domestic and foreign buyers with the latest in lighting products and building automation technologies at the Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition + Electrical Building Technology China. The show, being held from June 8 to 11 at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is the top event of its kind in Asia and the second-largest in the world. Guangdong province is home to about 60 per cent of China's 7,000 lighting manufacturers and is a hotbed of lighting-related production and equipment. In its 11th year, the fair serves as a sales and export platform for Chinese manufacturers and a venue for foreign suppliers who want to sell in China and develop partnerships with mainland companies. 'There is already massive demand for lighting and building technology products in Guangdong and across the country, and buyers in China, like those elsewhere in the world, want choice,' said Katy Lam, director of Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt, organiser of the show. 'Design, quality and aesthetics are playing a more important role in buying decisions, and that opens up new opportunities for foreign suppliers.' Economic growth in China is fuelling a demand not only for a greater variety of lighting products, but products that are more sophisticated. 'If you compare the industry five or 10 years ago, China was good in illumination products such as light bulbs and switches,' Ms Lam said. 'Now it is developing into nicely designed domestic lighting, technical lighting and outdoor lighting. The whole technology is improving.' Infrastructure improvements and the proliferation of grade-A commercial buildings in China means owners are showing more interest in modern indoor and outdoor illumination systems. The residential market is experiencing similar spikes in demand. 'In China's big cities there is a growing market at the consumer level,' she said. Energy-saving and green products are also expected to attract attention at the fair. 'Energy saving is a hot topic because everyone knows that fuel is expensive and energy is running out. Exhibitors will be showing alternative energy products such as solar systems, and there is much interest in these,' Ms Lam said. Long-life light-emitting-diode technology (LED) remains a hot topic and smart lighting systems that switch on and off automatically are attracting buyers. 'Smart products are developing quite well,' she said. China's imports of lighting products grew to US$119.11 million last year, a 7 per cent increase over the US$111.24 million in 2004, according to World Trade Atlas figures. Japan, the United States and Germany were the top three importing countries. Exports from China totalled US$4.51 billion in 2004, the most recent year for which figures are available, with the US, Germany and Hong Kong the top three recipients. The number of foreign companies represented as exhibitors and as buyers has grown in recent years as the show evolves into more of an international event. 'Current foreign participation stands at about 13 per cent but we expect that to change progressively over time,' Ms Lam said. A total of 23 foreign countries are exhibiting this year, up more than 50 per cent from last year's 15. Major international brand names at the fair include Philips, Osram, Fumagalli, Thorn, Endo Lighting, Vollmann, Wieland, Alanod, Tridonic.atco, Prosperity Lighting and Cooper. Last year the fair attracted more than 41,000 buyers from 101 countries, more than 8,000 of whom came from overseas. 'Overseas visitors made up 20 per cent. Our aim is to build that up gradually to 30 per cent to 40 per cent over the next three or four years.' Covering 80,000 square metres and seven halls, the fair will showcase the full spectrum of lighting equipment and accessories, plus a range of electrical building technology and automation products. Two Brand Name Halls will house the finest and most advanced products from the world's leading manufacturers. Another fair highlight is the Guangzhou International Lighting Technology Symposium from June 9 to 11. A panel of 17 speakers consisting of academics, architects, designers and industry experts from Australia, China, France and Germany will give presentations on seven topics. Topics include urban lighting master planning, road and landscape lighting, light source and LED application, indoor and museum lighting, landscape lighting design, luminaire design, and architectural facade and outdoor lighting. Sessions will be predominantly in Chinese, with three offering English translation. Admission is 500 yuan a session. Delegates are advised to book their seats in advance. Fair Facts Dates June 8-11, 2006 Venue Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Guangzhou, China Number of exhibitors 1,250 exhibitors from 23 countries/regions Show hours Thursday, June 8 to Saturday, June 10, 9.30am-4.30pm; Sunday, June 11, 9.30am-1pm Admission Trade buyers only. Persons under 18 will not be admitted Organiser Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt
