VIP guests including Ms. Wang Ying, Secretary General of CCCLA Shoe Commission, Mrs Liang Meifang, Deputy Director of Shanghai Commercial Information Center, and Mr Xie Zhen, General Manager of Shanghai International Merchandising Center Co.,Ltd, also attended the press conference. They expressed great interest at the newly defined Shanghai fair.

Messe Dusseldorf China Ltd. is the subsidiary of Messe Dusseldorf GmbH, organizer of GDS - the world's largest shoe fair. Adsale Exhibition Services Ltd. has been successfully staging international exhibitions in China since early 80's. In view of the rapid development of China's shoe industry, both companies joined hand to organize footwear exhibition in China for the first time in 2003. Since then, Dongguan - China Shoes - China Shoetec has successfully been held for three consecutive years. It was well-received and served as an ideal export channel and platform for domestic shoe makers. Taking 2005 edition as an example, there are 4,769 overseas buyers and another 6,620 buyers came from Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and Taiwan Province. 2006 Dongguan - China Shoes - China Shoetec is scheduled to be held from April 21-24, 2006 at Dongguan International Conference & Exhibition Centre. According to Mr. Stanley Chu, 70% of past exhibitors have reserved their booths.

In view of the success of the Dongguan fair, and the soaring economic growth inland, in particular the up-rising individual consumption power, the organizers determine to launch the autumn edition in Shanghai next October. The show will be held at Shanghai Exhibition Centre, a classic-style exhibition hall locating at the heart of commercial district. Differentiating from the Dongguan edition, the Shanghai fair emphasizes domestic market and focus on middle-to-high end products and trendy branded shoes.

In terms of market growth, China manufactured 7 billion pairs of shoes in 2004, accounting for 52% of total world output. China is now the largest footwear producer and exporter in the world. The total export value in the first half of 2005 reached US$8.47 billion, representing a 24% increase over last year's figure. The growth of domestic consumption power is astonishing as well: Chinese GDP per head already exceeded US$1,000 and consumer preference has shifted towards a lifestyle of "comfort" and "enjoyment". The sector of "luxury goods consumer" has reached 13% of the population and keeps growing at a fast pace. Annual domestic shoe consumption recorded close to 2 billion pairs, already exceed US's 1.6 billion pairs and topped the world major shoe consumption countries' list. Import volume of first half of in 2005 is US$96.95 million, mainly middle-to-high end footwear products. Brands Leather shoe from Spain, Italy, Germany, France and Denmark etc. are setting their foothold in Chinese market through chain stores and concession counters at high-class shopping malls. The superior quality, classic style and comfort of these imported shoes is capturing market share among high-income consumers. For such a shoe-making and shoe-consuming giant, it is well recognized among the industry that there is potential and an urge for a first class international shoe exhibition in China to serve as a business platform for export and domestic market.

The timing and location of both fairs fit also the industry pulse. Dongguan, a shoe capital in China, is the focal point of international buyers. Shanghai, the leading economic center and modern city in China, is in need of a professional shoe exhibition to gather high quality international products. One can reach the Pearl River Delta and South China region through Dongguan, while through Shanghai, influence can be extended to Yangtze River Delta and East China coastal cities. Besides, April and October are the golden sourcing seasons and the most active months for business. The success of Dongguan fair in April is a proof. The launch of the Shanghai edition will be a complement to the April show and provide a perfect platform to the shoe industry. The Dongguan fair forecasts the Fall-Winter trend while the Shanghai fair delivers Spring-Summer fashion series.

Also, according to the organizers, to tide in with the classic Russian style of Shanghai Exhibition Centre, specialized halls will be set up. Middle-to-high end fashion and trendy shoes, brand shoes will be showcased in "Modern Hall". Fashion show will be held concurrently. "International Basic Hall" will display various types of shoes and "Trend Walk" will be held there with 3 sessions: "China Fashion" to demonstrate Chinese folk tradition from the three-cun golden lotus shoes (tiny shoes for bound feet), craft shoes, folk custom shoes to today's fashion shoes; "World Fashion" to showcase world's top design footwear including the latest shoe design displayed in GDS; "Design World" to display distinctive and extraordinary shoe design from winner products of Hong Kong Footwear Design Competition and products from Hong Kong Shoes and Bags Designers' Association.

With Messe Dusseldorf's international network and know-how in shoe industry and domestic channels of Adsale, and also both organizers' experiences in organizing and managing international exhibitions, 2006 Dongguan - China Shoes - China Shoetec and 2006 Shanghai - China Shoes - China Shoetec will unfold a refresh outlook and become a top shoe fair in China.

For more information of the show, please visit www.chinashoesexpo.com