1 October, 2006

POST-SHOW PRESS RELEASE - AQUARIA CHINA TAKES ANOTHER LEAP FORWARD

The second staging of any event is often an acid test of how successful, or otherwise, it is likely to be in the long run.  Judging by the results of this year’s Aquaria China (AC ’06) – held at the Jinhan Exhibition Centre, Guangzhou, Guangdong, on 7-10 September – the future for this unique all-aquatic show looks very bright indeed.

Compare these figures, for instance: in 2004 (the first edition of the event), there were 74 exhibitors from ten countries. While this was, undoubtedly, an encouraging statistic, this year’s figures make even better reading: a total of 103 exhibitors from 13 countries, i.e. an increase of around 28%, with the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic and Israel joining the already-established ranks of countries represented. Nearly half of all the exhibitors were, in fact, from overseas, reflecting the international interest that exists within the ornamental aquatic community in forging trade links with China.

This was further reinforced by the trade visitor figures which also showed an increase, from 3,083 in 2004, to 3,391 this time round (up by around 10%). Those who attended were not disappointed, either, since the range of products on show was also considerably more extensive than two years ago.

This international emphasis was further highlighted by two important factors: every single one of this year’s exhibitors had, at least, one person on the booth that spoke English (the language in which international trade is transacted); and every exhibitor’s product literature was printed both in English and Chinese. This made communication much easier than two years ago and is a trend that is likely to continue…and be improved upon…making AC ’08 an even more exciting prospect for overseas visitors.

The public attendance figures, too, (the show was open to the general public during the last two days) showed a healthy increase, rising from 12,786 in 2004, to 14,566 – an improvement of nearly 14%. This was very good news for many of the exhibitors, which included some of the major international companies who are already establishing facilities in and around Guangzhou and are building up wide-ranging consumer databases.

Guangzhou and the surrounding areas in Guangdong, now probably form the main fish-producing and manufacturing centre in all of China, a factor that should prove a major attraction in 2008. A small, fascinating insight into the region’s growing status and reputation was provided by the farm and factory tour, which, as on the previous occasion, was full to capacity. This familiarity-building exercise will be repeated in two years’ time, when demand is expected to be even higher.

Away from the products and the tour, the free trade and public seminar programme – presented both in Chinese and English by an international panel of speakers - proved a huge success, with full houses being enjoyed throughout. 

On the competitive side, limits had to be placed on the total number of entries, such was the demand from interested parties for tank space to compete for the highly-prestigious prizes. The quality of some of the fish on show was quite outstanding and competition for the trophies and special awards was extremely keen, as experienced by the international judging panel consisting of 20 top experts from13 countries.

Assessing the undoubted success of the show, senior project manager, Linda Tan, commented: “Already, Aquaria China has established its credentials as China’s only all-aquatic event. It is, like its Singapore-based sister show, Aquarama, a unique one-stop exhibition with all sectors of the industry represented under one roof. Even as this edition closes, we are already focussing on 2008, which, we are certain, will take the show another significant step forward”.

For further information regarding Aquaria China, please contact Linda Tan at: aquaria@cmpasia.com.sg or visit the Aquaria China website at: www.aquariachina.com