Dubai to Host New Chinese Gift Fair
Staff -- Tradeshow Week, 6/19/2006
Singapore-based Global Sources Exhibitions will launch the China Sourcing Fair: Gifts & Home Products in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, next year.
The June 11–13 sourcing tradeshow at the Dubai World Trade Centre is intended to help China's suppliers sell directly to buyers in what Global Sources said is the world's third-largest re-export hub.
Chuck Armitage, Global Sources general manager, forecasts the show will attract 10,000 visitors from the Middle East and surrounding countries, and feature about 600 booths displaying Chinese gifts, toys, household products and consumer electronics equipment.
A special pavilion will address demand for children's products in the Middle East, where birth rates are double and triple those of many Western nations.
Global Sources Chairman and CEO Merle Hinrichs said China is Dubai's No. 1 trade partner, importing more than $12 billion worth of Chinese goods over the past five years. He added that his company's export customers view Dubai as the gateway to the Middle East, North Africa and India.
Suppliers will be able to sell directly to re-export traders, importers, wholesalers and retailers in the region.
The China Sourcing Fair's June dates are meant to put it outside Asia's busy April and October buying seasons, letting suppliers meet international buyers coming to fairs in Hong Kong before meeting new buyers in Dubai.
