Major News

Development

Highlights

Society

Culture Tourism

Bureaus

Fourth Asia Outdoor Trade Fair kicks off

By Jiang Cheng and Song Wenwei (China Daily Jiangsu Bureau)
Updated: 2009-08-03 11:00

NANJING: The economic recession hasn't slowed down people's enthusiasm in pursuing natural and healthy outdoor activities, it was revealed at the Fourth Asia Outdoor Trade Fair.

"Demand on outdoor sports outfits and equipment continues to grow despite the financial crisis which has hit many industries hard around the world," said Zhang Jian, GM of the Nanjing International Exhibition Center, at a press conference for the fair.

The fair opened on July 30 in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, and will run until August 2.

Co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Nanjing municipal government, the event will provide a platform for outdoor manufacturers and suppliers to exchange information, exhibit products and ink business deals.

Inaugurated in 2006, this annual event has gained fame and become the largest exhibition of outdoor products in Asia.

Statistics show that there is a 17 percent increase in the number of exhibiting brands this year, totaling 288 from home and abroad.

"The rapidly growing domestic market is creating a great opportunity for the outdoor industry and many manufacturers are producing for the domestic market," said Zhang.

People's awareness of a fashionable and healthy lifestyle has stimulated a fast growth in the outdoor industry with a continuous growth rate of 40 percent and sales revenue of 3.8 billion yuan last year.

The huge market together with the backdrop of the economic downturn and shrinking export volume has made many manufacturers and suppliers focus on the domestic market, as shown by an increase of 23 percent domestic brands at the exhibition this year.

In addition to showcasing various hi-tech, specialized outdoor products such as outdoor backpacks for pets, full-automated rooftop tents and water-purifying bottles, the fair will also host a series of related events including an outdoor climbing competition, fashion show and a forum on the outdoor industry.

The Asia Outdoor Trade Fair is devoted to providing exhibitors with a platform for efficient communication of outdoor products and will continue to introduce foreign brands into China, help Chinese brands abroad as well as contribute to the development of the outdoor market in China, according to Ludwig Meier, Director of Marketing of the Messe Friedrichshafen Corporation, a co-organizer of the fair.

"When we compare the fast development and growth of the very young Asia Outdoor Show, we are sure that in a few years this show will absolutely be number one in Asia," Meier said.