Last July, the first Composites China opened its gates in Shanghai, taking a solid step into Asia’s dynamic market. Billed as the Chinese version of Germany’s Composites Europe event, the show focused on new innovations in the composites world and attracted over 4,000 delegates from 39 countries.
Fuelled by solid demand in the domestic market, the composites industry in China accounts for 16% of the world in terms of annual output and is growing at a 12% yearly growth rate. The country’s latest five year plan indicates strong intention to further advance the high-performance material segment as one of its seven strategic industries. Featured at the event was a two day forum to facilitate global exchange and panel discussion for the industry, including a half day discussion chaired by Prof Luo Yifeng of the National Fiber Reinforced Plastic Research Centre, focusing on new business opportunities and policies. Experts from German and Japanese industry associations also attended to to present the latest progress in their respective markets. Feedback from exhibitors and participants suggests that demand remains high as ever with 40% of space for 2012 sold during the event. According to Edwin Tan, vice president of Reed Exhibitions Greater China: “The support from the industry will make us even more confident to deliver a better show next year to present the fastest growing segments in this industry and offer visitors from application industries a material solution sourcing platform that is second to none.” Themed ‘High-performance Composites Materials’, the next event will be held from 6-8 June 2012 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. www.composites-china.cn
