Sourcing fair opens in Shanghai

The 2017 International Sourcing Fair opened in Shanghai today, and it was the first time for the event to be held in the National Exhibition Center.

More than 400 exhibitors took part in the fair, which reversed regular model by inviting buyers to set up booths and list out what they expect to purchase. The model is said to be more efficient for manufacturers to pin down demand and find buyers.

Chi Hong, president of Donghao Lansheng Group Co Ltd, one of the organizers of the fair, said with the relocation to the National Exhibition Center, the fair is expected to attract a record number of visitors this year.

The fair was co-hosted by the Shanghai Commission of Commerce under the support of the Ministry of Commerce.

Also today, Alibaba Group signed an agreement with the sourcing fair to strengthen cooperation in sharing resources. They aimed at making the fair a 365-day event with the use of Alibaba’s online platform.