A large number of businessmen are expected to participate in a major international trade show to be held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, an official source at the Chinese Embassy told Asharq Al-Awsat, a sister publication of Arab News. “Between 1,500 and 2,000 Saudi businessmen are expected to participate in the exhibition,” he said, adding that the show will be held in two phases from 15-20 April 25-30 April.
The large-scale Saudi participation in the show reflects the growing trade relations between the two countries. The bilateral trade between the two countries rose to $5.1 billion (SR19.13 billion) last year, from $4.2 billion (SR15.75 billion) in 2001. “There has been a large demand for visas from Saudi businessmen to visit China since the year 2001. Dozens of visas are issued daily,” he said.
Last January a 90-member Saudi business delegation, led by Abdul Rahman Al-Jeraisy, Chairman of the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, visited China and met with top Chinese officials. A Saudi-Chinese Business Council has been established to promote trade relations.
The Guangzhou exhibition from 15-20 April will feature electronic and electric products, heavy industrial equipment, textiles and clothes, in addition to medical, health and chemical products. Exhibits in the second phase will include foodstuff, livestock products and light industries. “There will be thousands of exhibitors displaying more than 100,000 products,” the source said.
Source: SPA
