FESPA is expanding its event portfolio in Asia, with the launch of FESPA China in 2013. The first FESPA China event will take place from 18-20 November 2013, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center.

The newly FESPA-branded event will be managed in partnership between FESPA and CSGIA (China Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association), FESPA's associate member in China. FESPA China will represent screen printing and digital wide format printing, revitalising the established CSGIA event for the Chinese market. This CSGIA exhibition has been successfully staged annually since 1983, alternating between venues in Guangzhou and Shanghai, and attracting an increasing number of foreign exhibitors. The last CSGIA show in November 2011 covered a hall area of 25000m2, with more than 400 exhibitors and total attendance of over 18,000.

FESPA and CSGIA will also benefit from consultative support from ASGA (Asia Screen Printing and Graphic Imaging Association), the federation of Asian printing trade associations. ASGA has long-standing links with FESPA, and was a partner in the 2011FESPA Asia Summit and exhibition, both of which took place in Singapore.ASGA will host its annual meeting at FESPA China 2013, bringing a delegation of senior executives from the pan-Asian region.

FESPA CEO Nigel Steffens explains: "FESPA has been weighing up opportunities to develop a visible presence in China for some time, and we're confident that this partnership with our associate member in China is the best approach for us and for the Chinese printing community.CSGIA is a strong event which is attracting a dynamic visitor audience, 47% of which were first-time visitors to the show in 2011.

"We believe that FESPA's global reputation for event organisation can help to attract major digital suppliers for whom China is a business-critical market. We also intend to apply our expertise to make FESPA China an even more compelling and worthwhile event for visitors. Our objective is to grow this show substantially, as we have done with the events we have taken on in other developing markets like Mexico and Brazil."

Mrs Pei Guifan, Chairman of CSGIA comments: "We see digital printing technology playing a significant role in the future of print production in China, as government rules for manufacturing companies place increasing emphasis on sustainability. Our CSGIA show has traditionally focused on conventional screen printing technologies and consumables, but the time has come to ensure that visitors to our event can see the best of screen printing while also increasing their understanding of the opportunities that come with digital printing innovation. FESPA is the right partner to support us with this transition and to work with us to move the event forward in the future."

FESPA's Asia Ambassador Anders Nilsson concludes: "The market's positive response to FESPA Asia 2011 demonstrated the appetite throughout Asia for a show of FESPA's calibre. The size and significance of the Chinese market justifies a dedicated presence and presents an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones with our members and the Asian print community. We will work closely with CSGIA and key stakeholders to create an event which leaves a positive legacy and supports the Chinese printing community with the next phase of its development and growth."

This new partnership does not impact CSGIA 2012, which takes place in Guangzhou from 14-16 November 2012.

FESPA looks to return with a FESPA Asia event in 2014, details to be confirmed. Total attendance at FESPA Asia 2011 was 4500, with delegates from more than 34 countries. Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines were all strongly represented, with visitors also travelling to the show from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, as well as the USA and the UK.