A new consumer trade fair linked to the China International Import Expo has wrapped up in Shanghai, bringing global expo products directly to the Chinese public for the first time.
The inaugural CIIE U-Fair concluded over the weekend after opening on Friday, turning business-focused exhibition showcases into real shopping opportunities for consumers. The event followed the eighth China International Import Expo, which set new records in November with tentative deals exceeding 80 billion U.S. dollars.
Also known as the "little CIIE", the U-Fair marked its first edition with participation from more than 700 companies across 60 countries and regions. Many of the products on sale had debuted at the main expo just one month earlier, now made available to the public in Shanghai.
"We sell chocolates, butter cookies, and instant noodles. We'll give discounts at the fair, like this small box just costs 30 yuan (4.26 U.S. dollars), and four boxes for 100," said an exhibitor from Malaysia.
Some familiar faces from the CIIE were also present at the U-Fair.
"This is the first time the organizers organize this U-Fair. I think CIIE is for the B2B (business-to-business) and for the official event. I know there are so many people who cannot come and consume the products so I think this is one of the best chances that they can come and see the products and even they can buy the products," said Chiranjaya Udumullage, president of the China-Sri Lanka Association for Trade and Economic Cooperation.
"This time, Sri Lanka has exhibited Ceylon tea, gems and some food products as well. So I think this is just the beginning. In the future, I think Sri Lanka can contribute with more products in the coming U-Fairs," said Pamoda Gooneratne, the consul general of Sri Lanka in Shanghai.
Aqeel Chaudhry, founder of Pakistan's WINZA Jewellery Company, registered as soon as he learned the U-Fair would be held in December, securing a larger booth than he had at the CIIE.
"Actually, I think this fair is 2C-oriented (oriented to consumers) so they have invited a lot of end users. As we're based in Shanghai, we want more people from Shanghai to understand our brand," he said.
Ahead of the opening, organizers had expected about 80,000 visits over the three-day event.
Professor Lao Guoling, a researcher at the Chinese Modernization Institute of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said the just-concluded fair reflects China's consumption policy.
"The Central Economic Work Conference this year stressed the need to strengthen initiatives to boost consumption. It's a clear signal that boosting consumption is not a short-term decision, but a long-term consideration. An important aspect is expanding the domestic market to make it larger and stronger. The U-Fair this time shows again China's determination and strategy of opening up and allows many enterprises to feel the charm of China's big market," said Lao.
CIIE-linked fair brings global goods directly to Chinese consumers
