The event in China also saw special show areas succeed.
The Shanghai New International Expo Centre
The 10th show in Shanghai took place from 18 to 20 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, with 22,357 visitors attending to provide a 12 percent increase in numbers from the 2013 event, and “positive feedback” was given from both exhibitors and visitors to organisers Messe Frankfurt.
Visitors attended the event from over 63 different countries, with the top nations and regions represented at the show consisting of: Korea; Hong Kong, Taiwan; Japan; Indonesia; Germany; the USA; Thailand; Russia; and India. Messe Frankfurt added that “spotlights” of the event included the DIY (do it yourself) studio and Oriental Culture areas within the show floor, the first of which “caught much attention from visitors” because “DIY […] is already mature in overseas markets”.
The DIY Industry Promotion Council of Shanghai Creative Industry Association supported the zone, with its Secretary General Ping Xin stating that DIY is “still a new and emerging market in China”, but adding that the “traditional stationery and office supplies industry” in China is “gradually transforming […] due to changing consumer demand”, with the presence at the event allowing both the council and Messe Frankfurt to “maximise resources and channels”.
Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai), commented: “I am very pleased to see this year’s Paperworld China has attained such outstanding results, demonstrating its growing significance to the stationery and office supplies industry in the region over the years. Additionally, the show attracted 501 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions including Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Portugal, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the US.
“Our resounding success is greatly contributed to the support from our partners, trade associations and organisations. With their strong resources and connections, the show welcomed a number of local and overseas buying groups. It also featured pavilions from Taiwan, Ningbo and Wenzhou, as well as the DIY Studio and Oriental Culture.”