Abruzzo-China 2023: The return of international fairs
On January 22nd, 2023, the Lunar New Year was celebrated in China under the Chinese zodiac sign of the Rabbit, a symbol of luck and prosperity. The new year effectively inaugurated the restart of the Chinese economy after a sharp slowdown caused by the stringent "zero Covid" policy adopted by the government in the last three years. This recovery was made possible by a significant relaxation of pandemic containment measures at the national level and the consequent reopening of borders to the rest of the world, allowing foreign citizens to enter China for work or business starting from January 8th, 2023, and once again becoming an open country both economically and politically speaking.
In this context of renewed enthusiasm and openness, international fairs will also return throughout the year, which are a very important showcase for companies that want to expand their presence in the global market and for sectors such as agri-food and machinery, in which Abruzzo companies excel. These events are a valuable opportunity to shake hands with one's clients and establish stronger relationships with potential buyers through a face-to-face approach, while acquiring new knowledge and updated production techniques through mutual exchanges with experts from around the world.
In the agri-food sector, in particular, among the important events for Abruzzo entities that want to make their culinary excellences known to international visitors, we can include the third edition of the "China International Consumer Expo" which will be held from April 11th to 15th in Hainan, "Hotelex Finefood" which will be held from May 29th to June 1st in Shanghai, and the "Shanghai International Food & Drinks Fair 2023" (from June 5th to 7th).
Furthermore, "SIGEP China 2023" should also be mentioned, jointly organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) and Koelnmesse in Shenzhen, a fair entirely dedicated to the world of ice cream, pastries, baked goods, coffee, and chocolate based products in which Abruzzo is obviously a major player, and where the qualifications of the Chinese national team participating in the "Gelato World Cup 2024" in Rimini will be held.
For the automotive market, which represents almost 50% of Abruzzo's exports, the Shanghai Auto Show stands out, which will be held in Shanghai from April 18th to 27th, 2023 and represents a reference point for experts and professionals in the sector who can meet to discuss the main industrial innovations and explore new opportunities.
In the industrial and mechanical sector, from April 10th to 15th, the "CIMT - China International Machine Tool Show" will be held in Beijing, the largest and most important fair in China for professional machinery and tools, another important strong point of our companies' exports.
During the same period, the "Canton Fair" will take place in Guangzhou (from April 15th to May 5th), which, with its estimated 200,000 visitors and 25,000 exhibitors, will be divided into several phases based on the type of items on display, including machinery, building materials, chemicals, clothing, footwear, medicine, and food.
In conclusion, China's economic agenda for 2023 will focus on economic recovery and the return to post-pandemic normalcy: it will be essential for Abruzzo investors and traders to return to China in order to establish new business relationships and resume those interrupted plans from the last two years through active participation in events such as international fairs, a precious opportunity that will represent an advantage for all parties involved and will allow for the sustainable relaunch of the global economy.
Edited by: Att. Carlo D’Andrea, Vice President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and Managing Partner of the D’Andrea & Partners Legal Counsel, with offices in Shanghai and Pescara.
