CRI听力:Chinese Exhibitors Highlight Importance of Innovation at Canton Fair

Reporter:

As the world economy slowly recovers from the 2008 recession, many Chinese exporters are reporting increased pressure from global competitors.

Manufacturers have realized that only innovative products and services can win the hearts of customers.

Some at the Canton Fair are displaying environmentally-friendly products and smart home appliances that integrate traditional functions with IT technology.

And it's not just technology that's changing.

Chinese manufacturers have also pointed out the importance of innovation in marketing.

Cheng Jian, vice president of the Guangdong-based Chigo Air-Conditioning Company, says innovative marketing strategies will help Chinese brands go global.

"I think innovation of marketing patterns and how Chinese enterprises should go global are very important. To be specific, the first thing is to change our way of thinking. Chinese people must have creative thinking and only through this can we go global. The other thing is to change our marketing model. In the past, we usually produced for others' brands and never paid attention to building our own brands. Now we must do something to promote our own brands."

The changing mentality has helped Chinese exhibitors to attract more foreign buyers at the fair.

One buyer from Russia quite favors Chinese products.

"China-made products play an important role in the world economy. This can be seen everywhere. Their quality is worth the money. I especially like Chinese products."

The Canton Fair is seen as a barometer of China's exports.

The organizer of the fair expects the event to attract 180-thousand foreign buyers.

The fair runs through May 5th.

For CRI, I'm Luo Wen.