There is no shortage of headlines about business opportunities in China: It has a growth rate of almost 10 percent and a market with billions of consumers who have a great deal of pent-up demand. All the major corporations from the west are already there, and now a growing number of small and medium-sized enterprises representing every branch of industry are nudging their way in. Besides intuition for business, they need in-depth knowledge about Chinese ways from both an economic-policy and socio-cultural point of view. Transport logistic China, which will be held in Shanghai from September 19 – 22, has a diverse range of exhibitors and can help small and medium-sized enterprises to succeed on the Chinese economic stage.

Now that the major corporations have acquired some experience in China, there are plenty of good tips, recommendations, agencies and consulting companies to support newcomers as they enter the market. The most important factors for success include the careful selection of location, personnel and partners. At first, the selection process can be thoroughly prepared from a representative's office at the local level, because companies should familiarize themselves with the administrative setup of the provinces, responsibilities at various political levels, legal guidelines for foreigners and financial practices.
For all of these topics, transport logistic China 2006 and accompanying events like the BVL Congress and the Air Cargo China Conference are an appropriate information platform that is "on location".

The logistics market is very divided, and the industry's major service providers only cover a portion of the market. That means that small and medium-sized companies stand a good chance of tapping this rapidly growing market logistically. As Professor for Logistics and Supply-chain Management at the Chinese-German College at Tongji University in Shanghai, Hans-Christian Pfohl, Professor at the Chair of Management and Logistics at Darmstadt Technical University, is very familiar with local conditions: "Small and medium-sized logistics providers need Chinese partners, and given the size of the country, it is usually a good idea to work with more than one. They are well informed about constantly changing regulations, and they are familiar with local business habits as well as local rights that pertain to the wholesale and retail trade."

The Chinese government is also doing something to promote long-term partnerships: Between now and 2010 it will invest up to one billion US dollars to further develop the transportation infrastructure. That is good news, both for logistics companies and for foreign partner companies in the rail- and road-construction sectors. Another factor that appeals to investors is the low cost of labor, which can be up to 30 times lower than in Germany. Add to that the fact that the Chinese shipping industry is currently growing at an annual rate of some 27 percent, and one quickly understands why providers of transportation and logistics services see so much potential on the roads in the "Land of the Dragon".

About transport logistic China
transport logistic China, the gathering for logistics, telematics and transport, is being held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in China for the second time from September 19 – 22, 2006. A total of 214 exhibitors from 27 countries presented their products and services at transport logistic China 2004 and Air Cargo China 2004. 10,044 visitors from 54 countries attended the international trade fair, which also featured an extensive program of related events and conferences. As a result, the concept of transport logistic in Munich, the leading European trade fair for logistics, telematics and transport, which covers the entire range of solutions for all sectors, has successfully established itself on the Asian market.

About Messe München International (MMI)
Messe München International (MMI, Munich Trade Fairs International Group) is one of the world´s leading trade-fair companies. It organises around 40 trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, and key high-tech industries. Each year over 30,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries, and over two million visitors from more than 200 countries take part in the events in Munich. In addition, MMI organises trade fairs in Asia, Russia, the Middle East and South America. With four subsidiaries abroad and with 62 foreign representatives serving 86 countries, MMI has a truly global network.

Additional information is available at www.transportlogistic-china.com.

Contact for journalists:
Henrike Burmeister, transport logistic China 2006 Press Office
Tel. (+49 89) 949-20 245, Fax (+49 89) 949-20249
Henrike.Burmeister@messe-muenchen.de

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