Editor
There is no doubt that the Chinese paint and coatings industry is the strongest growth market in the world. It is the second-largest producer of coatings worldwide, and it likely will surpass the U.S. in coatings production in the near future. That should be clear from the interest from the global coatings manufacturers, as more than 50 leading foreign coatings manufacturers have operations in China. China is the world’s largest producer of powder coatings, while the country’s automotive OEM, wood coatings, architectural paints and function coatings businesses are flourishing.
As a result, it is understandable why CHINACOAT (The China Int’l Exhibition for Coatings, Printing Inks and Adhesives) has become the leading coatings show worldwide. Organized by Hong Kong-based Sinostar International Ltd., CHINACOAT 2009 returned to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)—the show alternates between Shanghai and Guangzhou—and this year’s CHINACOAT has shown growth, which is not an easy accomplishment at a time when other trade shows are slumping due to the global recession.
CHINACOAT appears to be as strong as always, with more than 600 companies across the world confirmed to exhibit, including 400 Chinese producers of raw materials and equipment.
Raymond Ho, director of Sinostar International, said the show’s continued growth proves just how strong the Chinese coatings industry remains.
With the worldwide recession still lingering on, our initial thoughts were not optimistic,” said Mr. Ho. “But now I can proudly announce that the total number of exhibitors almost equals last years figures. And from the recent statistics of our visitor pre-registration, we expect good numbers of quality visitors from China and the Asia Pacific Rim.”
CHINACOAT represent more than just the exhibition floor. It also features a wide range of learning opportunities, including the 7th CHINACOAT Conference. CHINACOAT is also holding two specialized seminars. The first, “Design & Optimisation of Coatings/Inks Formulations” was held yesterday to great success, while “Fundamental Principles of Coatings & Adhesives Formulation” is being held today. There are two national presentations as well, focusing on the paint markets of Thailand and the Philippines, as well as the New-Tech Corner. These all combine to provide coatings professionals with the best possible education on what is occurring in the industry.
“Our 7th CHINACOAT Conference on Automotive Finishes focused on durability and ecology; speakers from Thailand and Philippines will provide and overview of their national coatings business and our New –Tech Corner will explore hygienic coatings and functional additives,” Mr. Ho said. “This, plus the workshops and product base seminars, prove that the show will continue to strive to maintain our foremost aim: productive technology transfer.”
The 7th CHINACOAT Conference, “Automotive Finishes: Focusing on the Key Aspects of Durability & Ecology,” was a tremendous success in terms of presentations and attendance. Next year’s conference, “Architectural Coatings for a Sustainable World,” scheduled for Nov. 13-14, 2010, promises to be its equal.
“This conference will cover a range of new developments in the architectural coatings market, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability,” said Mr. Dip Dasgupta, chairman, DD Technology Forum, UK, and chair of the 7th CHINACOAT Conference. “It will bring together the major players in this market to discuss the future direction of the market and in particular the impact of current concern about environmental sustainability.
“This assembly of professionals with shared interest provides a special opportunity for developing new working relationships as well as gaining a better understanding of market dynamics and a vas scope for innovation,” Mr. Dasgupta added. “The conference is designed to have benefits for all the elements in the architectural coatings supply chain—from raw material suppliers to paint makers through to paint retailers, specifiers and architects.”
Exhibitor Viewpoint
Exhibitors always find CHINACOAT to be the ideal place to meet with the leaders of the growing Chinese coatings market, and this year’s CHINACOAT is an excellent forum to do that.
“As always, we look forward to exhibiting at CHNACOAT and meeting with multinational and local paint manufacturers from China and throughout the Asian region,” said Kevin Wu, commercial director for Celanese Emulsion Polymers, Asia. “This is a good venue for the Celanese China, India and Thailand personnel to meet with existing and prospective customers in their regions. We also look forward to meeting with co-suppliers, industry leaders and academics to discuss and shape the future of the paint and coatings industry in Asia.”
Munzing’s Mathew Chen said his company expects to see more customers at CHINACOAT 2009. “It is very important to listen to their needs and to see how Munzing can provide them with more and better professional technical service,” Mr. Chen said.
For Joon Choo, Shamrock Technologies’ vice president, CHINACOAT represents an opportunity to meet and catch up with a good cross section of customers and prospects alike in an open setting. “Chinacoat has been an important part of selling into China over the years for many suppliers to the coatings industry, and in 2009 especially, with so many changes, face to face meetings are more important,” he said.
In the end, Jiro Suezawa, deputy director, chemicals division and general manager, intermediates and specialty chemicals, Kyowa Hakko, said CHINACOAT is all about making the company’s presence known. “CHINACOAT opens doors for communication with customers, helps us to further expand our market position and gain greater knowledge of the markets in China and the broader Asia Pacific region, which will help us grow our business in the years ahead.”