Market Authority, CIFF to Organize American Pavilion at Shanghai Show

October 24, 2016  by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, High Point, Industry, Market, Special Events   

The two groups are hoping to secure enough exhibitors to set up an American pavilion, which would give U.S. exhibitors who are interested in exporting an opportunity to grow their business in mainland China.

The show will take place Sept. 10-18, 2017.

During a luncheon Saturday to kick off the effort, officials said both the High Point and Shanghai shows would benefit from the pavilion. It would give Shanghai buyers access to American designs and brands that typically are held in high regard throughout the world, and could entice buyers and exhibitors at that show to visit the High Point Market in April and October, officials said.

“We are absolutely convinced that this can work,” said Tom Conley, president of the High Point Market Authority. “U.S. designs have garnered global attention, and we believe this will help attract buyers to a U.S.-based pavilion.”

Li Deying, general manager of CIFF, told the luncheon audience the Chinese middle class will be as large as the entire U.S. population by 2020, which presents an excellent opportunity for American companies wishing to export there.

“The whole furniture industry in China is upgrading,” Deying said, speaking through a translator. “I believe CIFF is ready to step up to a global stage.”

Currently, U.S.-based companies Ashley, La-Z-Boy, Hooker Furniture and Uttermost exhibit at CIFF, and Conley said they have been invited to join the pavilion exhibitors.

In addition to exhibit space, the U.S. pavilion will include a buyer’s lounge and space for one-on-one meetings, he said.

Last year’s CIFF Shanghai show 84,686 visitors from 190 countries, Deying said.