October 29, 2002 -- In a forward-looking new step, Labelexpo is to be extended beyond its current international portfolio in Europe, America and Singapore - into China. The inaugural Labelexpo China, will be held at the Intex Exhibition Centre in Shanghai on 9th-11th December 2003. Initially conference led, the biennial event will fulfil the need for education and ideas sharing in this part of the Far East. The Chinese are hungry for new technologies and it is important that local suppliers and printers are fully aware of national and international labelling standards, global branding issues, advances in label materials, pre-press and production technology, as well as the latest requirements for logistics and distribution labelling. Large numbers of Chinese printers and converters find it difficult to leave the country due to the financial cost and visa restrictions - meaning that they are not attending other international events. In addition, with China’s new membership of the World Trade Organisation, overseas companies are targeting China as an export and manufacturing base, making it the largest, and fastest growing, potential emerging market for the world of labels. Labelexpo China offers a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the growth potential and opportunities in China, as well as the specific Chinese label market issues and opportunities. Industry expert, Mike Fairley, and the widely respected Editor of Labels & Labelling magazine, Andy Thomas, will be putting together the conference programme. Speakers will be predominately drawn from the Chinese market and include government officials, global brand owners, suppliers and printers. It is also planned to include some label printer case histories and success stories. The conference will be complemented by a comprehensive exhibition of label industry suppliers - nearly 100 companies have already expressed an interest in exhibiting, including: Akzo Nobel Inks; Arconvert; Avery Dennison; Gallus; GEW; HP Indigo; Intercoat; Iwasaki; Kodak; Kopack; Mark Andy; Nilpeter; Omet; Trespaphan; and UCB. If you want to market your product in China you need to be in China. Roger Pellow, Labels Group Event & Publishing Director, said, "We are very excited about the launch of Labelexpo China, the latest addition to our world-wide Labelexpo portfolio. Preliminary research has shown that all the major labelling players will be at the event – whether exhibiting or taking part in the conference – and the Chinese are looking forward to the modern business opportunities that will become available to them. The event is going to be extremely high profile in the region."