Called the "capital of lighting" as the largest production center for lighting fixtures in China and one of the top in the world, Guzhen township in Zhongshan city and UBM Sinoexpo will launch a new joint company at the upcoming 12th Guzhen International Lighting Fair in Guangdong province to further commercialize the annual event.

Organizers said the partnership with one of UBM Asia's joint venture companies in China will enable the private company and the government to co-manage the operation of the fair and expand its influence.

Held from Oct 18 to 21 at the new Lighting Capital Conference and Exhibition Center, the event this year is expected to draw 550 exhibitors, organizers said.

With 60 percent of the lighting goods sold in China made in Guzhen, its fair is one of the most important in the industry, they added. Now "we are trying to turn it into the world's largest and most influential trade exhibition", said organizers.

"We have tried a variety of ways to reach professional buyers, including building a website for the fair, sending invitations via e-mail and text messages," they said.

The event this year will have the theme of "More Bright, More Green".

At 250,000 square meters in total, it has expanded its size enormously compared to previous years. In addition to the main center, it is adding exhibition sites at Besun Lighting Plaza, Lighting Era Center and Taigu Lighting Fitting Square.

"There are 1,500 booths altogether," an official said. "Of the 550 exhibitors, 72 percent are from Zhongshan city and 53.5 percent are from its township Guzhen."

"There are exhibitors from abroad too," he added.

A series of forums and meetings will be held during the fair to provide opportunities for business negotiations and to share ideas.

"We will provide our guests and the exhibitors high-quality services," the official said.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Dengwang Square, a new 140,000-square-meter lighting center in Guzhen, will also be held during the event. With an iconic tower and two shopping centers, the square will be developed into an international shopping mall for lighting fittings that includes five-star hotels and a lighting technology park, said officials.

In addition, the local government will sign a business cooperation agreement with neighboring Henglan township government during the fair, which is expected to help promote the development of the lighting industry in the whole area.

"Cooperation with other townships can help us to expand our influence," a Guzhen official said. "We can create a win-win situation by sharing our information and resources."

Lighting products made in Guzhen are exported to countries and regions including the United States, the Middle East, South Africa, and Europe.

"We will hold a ceremony during the fair to celebrate that Guzhen status as the new hub of lighting sales in China," an official said."We will continue to improve our infrastructure and facilities to support the growth of the lighting business."

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily USA 10/17/2013 page6)