Event Type Outward Mission
Event Date 15/03/2010 - 20/03/2010
Event Description
UKTI Guangzhou is organising a furniture design outward mission to Dongguan and Shenzhen from 15th to 20th March 2010. The mission is designed as a platform for UK designers and design companies to expand their network, to bring attention to their creativity, and most importantly to explore business opportunities in Southern China.
China overtook Italy as the largest furniture exporter in 2005. China accounts for 17% of the total furniture of the world market. There are 50,000 furniture manufacturers in China. The average annual growth rate is 15%.
In Dongguan, furniture industry is one of the eight pillar industries, with nearly 3,000 furniture production and related enterprises. The annual output is about 80 billion Yuan (around US$ 11.76 billion), taking account 20% of furniture production in China. Moreover, It produces about 60% of furniture exported from China every year.
Traditionally an industrial centre for furniture production, Shenzhen has evolved into a high tech, design and service oriented city. In 2008, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) formally recognised Shenzhen as the "City of Design." Over 2500 furniture manufacturers employing nearly 200,000 people produce a total annual output of US $12.46 billion. This figure represents 20% of Shenzhen’s total GDP.
With the reform of the furniture industry and the size of the industry expanding, there is an increasing demand for design, new & high quality materials, and environmental-friendly & innovative techniques. Manufacturers are realising the importance of design. Thus, the industry is investing more in creativity and innovation - meaning more and more business opportunities in this industry in China.
UKTI is arranging a mission to the two furniture exhibitions: the International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan) and the Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition, both of which are organised by local governments and furniture associations. UKTI will partner Dongguan Famous Furniture Association and Shenzhen Furniture Trade Association for this mission. We sincerely invite you to join us.
* Programme of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Furniture Design Outward Mission to Dongguan and Shenzhen 15 - 20 March 2010
(1) 15th March 2010 - Hong Kong
- Arrive in Hong Kong by air
(2) 16th March 2010 - Dongguan
Afternoon
- Travel from Hong Kong to Dongguan
- Receive a briefing of the mission from UKTI
(3) 17th March 2010 - Dongguan
Morning
- Attend the opening of the 23rd International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan) at Guangdong Modern International Exhibition Centre, meet government officials and visit the fair
Afternoon (All the following activities will be organised by UKTI.)
- Seminar at the exhibition centre: Deliver a presentation at a UKTI seminar on your company, design, product, service and research to potential Chinese buyers and business partners from the exhibition and Dongguan Famous Furniture Association
- Interview: Interview with local mainstream media and professional media in furniture industry
- Reception: Attend a UKTI reception to join an informal business matching with potential Chinese buyers and business partners and to network with industry associations and Chinese designers
(3) 18th March 2010 - Dongguan
- Visit two local furniture manufacturers, who have a presence in overseas markets
(4) 19th March 2010 - Shenzhen
Morning
- Visit the 25th Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Centre
Afternoon (All the following activities will be organised by UKTI.)
- Seminar at the exhibition centre: Deliver a presentation at a UKTI seminar on your company, design, product, service and research to potential Chinese buyers and business partners from the exhibition and Shenzhen Furniture Trade Association
- Interview: Interview with local mainstream media and professional media in furniture industry
- Reception: Attend a UKTI reception to network with potential Chinese buyers, business partners, industry associations, and Chinese designers
(5) 20th March 2010 - Shenzhen
- Visit two local furniture manufacturers, who have got presence in overseas markets
Please note that the programme is subject to change depending on missioners' feedback. We will inform you immediately if there is any change.
* Target Groups of the Mission
Designers and companies in the industries of furniture, interior, furniture accessories and components, and home accessories
* Benefits of the Mission
- To gain business opportunities
- To raise your company profile in governments and the furniture industry of Dongguan and Shenzhen
- To establish contacts with decision makers from key industry players
- To gain local market knowledge of Southern China
- To establish contacts with Chinese designers
* Cost of the Mission
We only charge £500 per company as a management fee. This is payable on confirmation of participation.
* What we will provide both in Dongguan and Shenzhen:
- Use of two seminar venues and their facilities
- Tea break during the two seminars for guests
- Interpreters for your presentations in the two seminars and conversation in the two receptions
- Two receptions for networking with Chinese guests
- Transportation from Dongguan to Shenzhen
Further Information
Please email Ms Lee Li for introductions to the two exhibitions, their organisers, cities of Dongguan and Shenzhen and for the application form if you would like to apply. You are welcome to contact Ms Lee Li for any enquiry.
Contact Details
Email:lee.li@fco.gov.uk
UK Trade & Investment Contact: lee.li@fco.gov.uk
Publication date: 19/01/2010
Source UKTI
