 The fair for the music sector, Music China has developed into one of the most important events for the world music market in a very short space of time. And the change of venue to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre paid dividends.
This is the unanimous opinion following the end of the 3rd four-day event, which was held in October 2004. Over 619 exhibitors, 48 percent more than the year before, occupied 34,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space. They came from 19 countries. The number of visitors increased by 17 percent compared to the previous year and reached over 25,000. The visitors came from over 61 countries. No less than 2,000 experts came from outside China, half of them from Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the USA and Japan.
The fair as an important trend barometer
For foreign visitors, there are several reasons for taking part. The aim is to make brands and products better known, to sell directly to the market or to find dealers and to gain an immediate impression of the Chinese market. Another important reason is that the event has become obligatory for all buyers. Many exhibitors said they had met many customers they had not expected to see at the fair in Shanghai.
Visits to Chinese partners
Many foreign exhibitors took advantage of the opportunity to visit the production facilities of Chinese partners before and after the fair. Today, many of them have not only a manufacturing plant but also a design and research department. Whereas many Chinese companies used to make exact copies of existing products, in some cases in infringement of western copyright standards, they are nowadays increasingly offering their own developments or modified versions of products previously made under licence.
Good prognoses for 2005
For the sector, there is no doubt that Music China is the most effective platform for musical instruments and accessories in Asia. And that Music China continues to expand is shown by the bookings already received for 2005. The amount of exhibition space available has been increased so that previously unfulfilled wishes for more exhibition space can now be met. There will also be several joint stands from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain and Taiwan.
China's musical-instrument sector booming
The success story of the musical-instrument sector in China is closely linked to the breath-taking growth taking place in the country as a whole. According to the China National Bureau of Statistics, the rate of growth in October was ten percent – despite the severe measures taken by the government to stop the economy overheating. Growth was even higher in the rapidly expanding coastal regions with 15 percent being noted in Shanghai where the building boom continues unabated. Around 15 – 20 million new jobs are being created in China every year. According to experts, the reason for this development is the undervalued currency, which, at best, will only be up-valued slightly, to ensure that Chinese exports remain extremely attractive.
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