JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- A three-day trade fair in South Africa is bringing Chinese manufacturers and African buyers together to explore business partnerships, with exhibitors seeking new customers and buyers meeting suppliers without traveling to China.
The China Homelife South Africa opened Wednesday at the Gallagher Convention Center in Midrand, Johannesburg. Now in its 10th edition, the exhibition features hundreds of Chinese manufacturers showcasing building materials, textiles and garments, household goods, gifts, battery energy storage systems and electronics.
The exhibition brings together importers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers, as well as buyers sourcing products for specific projects. Business matchmaking activities are also part of the program, giving buyers opportunities to meet Chinese suppliers, discuss their sourcing needs and explore longer-term cooperation.
Binu Pillai, chief operating officer of Meorient International Exhibition, the event's organizer, told Xinhua that businesses from across Africa have an opportunity to meet Chinese manufacturers face to face and negotiate deals without going to China.
Visitors had come from countries including Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Ghana, he said, adding that the fair had attracted 4,000 visitors in its first three hours.
"Africa has a huge market as far as Chinese manufacturers are concerned," Pillai said. "It's a platform for buyers and manufacturers to interact and do business. It is a sourcing platform for the African continent."
Pillai said around 35,000 people had preregistered for the exhibition, while organizers expected 25,000 visitors over its three-day run.
The prospect of closer business ties was also welcomed by local government representatives at the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lwando Resha, member of the mayoral committee for local economic development in Mogale City Local Municipality in Gauteng Province, said the municipality was willing to do business and forge partnerships with enterprises from other countries, adding that South Africa was open for business.
The opening ceremony was attended by local government officials and representatives of business chambers and youth organizations.
Among the exhibitors was Yongkang Weige Industrial and Trading Co., Ltd., which was participating in the exhibition in South Africa for the first time.
Judy Huang, the company's sales manager, said it was showcasing a variety of aluminum ladders, including telescopic, extension and folding models. Many visitors had stopped at its stand to look at the products, she said.
Huang said she hoped to connect with African enterprises and do business with them, adding that she expected China-Africa relations to continue improving as trade grows. ■