Concern from global buyers over increasing costs and falling consumer confidence did not dampen enthusiasm for the various major trade exhibitions held in the past weeks, including five China Sourcing Fairs held at AsiaWorld-Expo between October 12-15 and 20-23 and from October 30 to November 2, 2008.

A survey by the event organiser, Global Sources, of more than 300 buyers, showed that while sourcing companies are concerned about the impact of the global financial credit crunch, the solutions include consolidating existing suppliers, developing new markets and sourcing competitively priced products. Overall, 77% of the buyers plan to increase or keep their sourcing volume at the same level over the next 12 months, and will continue to source from China.

The China Sourcing Fairs which cover the electronics and components, gifts and home products, baby and children's products, fashion accessories and underwear and swimwear sectors, offered the ideal platform for exhibitors and buyers to focus their business strategy for the year ahead.

Four other international trade fairs in October on environment protection, furniture, sports wear and equipment and building materials and hardware also saw good attendance, especially from emerging markets.

"The importance and relevance of these fairs coupled with the pivotal role of Hong Kong in this global buying cycle was clear to see at AsiaWorld-Expo this month," said Allen Ha, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited.

Quotes from exhibitors and buyers:

"This is our first time at the show. It is quite impressive. There are many international buyers, and we have seen a lot of potential customers. There are Russians, Italians and Japanese buyers, people from many different countries. We would definitely come and exhibit again."

Barry Cheng, Furniture Consultant, Concept Workshop Ltd, Hong Kong (Exhibitor of Hong Kong International Furniture Fair)

"For us it is a great opportunity to find all the products in one place. I started to come to Hong Kong a few years ago. It is my third or fourth time to the Global Sources Fair and I think the Fair is expanding. China is a factory of the world and here we can also meet not only Chinese suppliers but also from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. For the next few years, Chinese suppliers will remain the most important for us."

Janusz Antas, President, Top Mark, Poland (Buyer of China Sourcing Fairs)

"We are here to look for new products, new models and to get an inspiration of what is on the market in China. There is a lot of variety of products here. China is important for me because of the prices - there is so much competition out there so the price is really attractive for us. We stay three days out of the whole four days."

Drs. Sjef van Gastel, Director, Bunnies Jeugdschoenen, The Netherlands (Buyer of China Sourcing Fairs)

"Everything is very well organised, and there is a good range of exhibitors. It is a busy fair, and we have found some new suppliers. "

Mylene H. Co, Director, Universal Colmsen, Philippines (Buyer of Hong Kong International Furniture Fair)