Fourth annual China Sourcing Fair opens in Johannesburg today MyZA

Global Sources today opened its fourth annual China Sourcing Fairs in Johannesburg featuring a comprehensive array of quality products from China and Asia suppliers. The Fairs are being held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and run until Nov. 9.

“The growth in visitor numbers we have seen at the Fairs in Johannesburg are very much indicative of the demand for high-quality, high-value China and Asia-made products here in Africa,” said Tommy Wong, President of Global Sources Exhibitions. “A recent Global Sources buyer survey revealed that more than half of the surveyed African buyers are now sourcing products more frequently from Asian suppliers in order to improve their product mix and competitiveness.”

The co-located China Sourcing Fairs feature quality manufacturers of consumer electronics, fashion accessories, garments and textiles, gifts and premiums, hardware and building materials, home products and solar and energy-saving products.

Aside from providing an efficient sourcing platform for African buyers, the Fairs also offer opportunities for suppliers to tap into the vast potential of the African market. “I have attended all these Fairs since 2011 and have always been encouraged by the potential for business we can do here,” said Zou Hua, General Manager of Changzhou AVI Electronic Co.

“Trade between China and Africa is booming,” said Wong. “In 2012, the total volume of Sino-African trade increased by 19.3 percent to US$198 billion and, with huge swathes of Africa untapped, the potential for growth here is significant. Our Fairs are the perfect platform for African buyers to connect with Asia and China manufacturers and secure the products they need to fully realize the growth opportunity,” he added.

Officially opening the events today were:

Yan Qingwen, Deputy Consul-General, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg
Guo Bin, Director General, Administration Office, Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg
Lei Zhigang, First Secretary, Economic and Commercial Counsellor’s Office, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa
Tshepo Makhene, Manager of Export Promotion, the Department of Trade and Industry of South Africa
Bert Prevoo, Director, Corporate Gifts Association of Southern Africa
Bryan Peach, Director, Corporate Gifts Association of Southern Africa
Tommy Wong, President, Global Sources Exhibitions

The China Sourcing Fairs have been very well received by the provincial and municipal governments of mainland China and other organizations, which include:

China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products
Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation of Guangdong Province
Department of Commerce of Hunan Province
Department of Commerce of Jiangxi Province
Zhongshan Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
Foshan Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
Jiangmen Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
Dongguan Bureau of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation
Zhuhai Science, Technology, Industry, Trade and Information Technology Bureau
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hebei Sub-council
China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai Pudong Sub-council

The Fairs will also feature a comprehensive conference program with experts explaining the cultural differences between African buyers and Chinese suppliers, advice on how to avoid pitfalls when importing from China and a discussion on strategies for securing a good price when placing small quantity orders.