[SHANGHAI, China] More than 19,000 visitors from 79 countries almost overwhelmed the registration staff on the Opening Day of DOMOTEX asia/CHINAFLOOR held last week in Shanghai. Cool weather during the show was a stark contrast to the hot Chinese economy which experienced double digit growth last year in spite of the global economic crisis. The show offered exhibitors from around the world a chance to tap into the rapidly expanding middle class of a country that is quickly changing from the world's low cost supplier to a major consumer of floor products. Unlike other parts of the world, the Chinese floor covering industry continues to grow in a healthy economic environment.

The show's total attendance was clocked at a record 40,414, up over 10% from 2009. The number of  foreign buyers attending the show increased significantly over last year, especially from America, Europe and Australia. The quality of local and regional buyers from Asia improved dramatically as the show drew more architects, designers and builders than ever before.

Approximately 1,000 suppliers exhibited carpet, resilient, laminate, wood and bamboo flooring. An entire hall was dedicated to flooring manufacturing machinery. The show occupied a half a million square feet (50,000 sqm) of net exhibition space. The show floor was a beehive of activity with live entertainment, videos, and product demonstrations.

The third annual International Wood Flooring Summit was held on the second day. This unique event allows association and government representatives from around the world to discuss legislative and environmental issues in a round table format with simultaneous translations. Mr. Jürgen Früchtenicht, president of the European Parquet Importers Federation, explained the pending FLEGT regulations while Mr. Mark Elwell, Board member of the National Wood Flooring Association of the United States updated everyone on recent enforcement of the Lacey Act. 

( Edited from www.domotexasiachinafloor.com )