SF EXPO CHINA, one of the most successful surface finishing exhibitions in China.

International Surface Finishing, Electroplating and Coatings Exhibition (hereinafter referred as SF EXPO CHINA) has been successfully held for 13 sections in Guangzhou and three sections in Chongqing since 2003. It was held every two years in Guangzhou before 2013. After that, it is held once a year in Guangzhou and Chongqing alternately. 

The exhibition area of the last exhibition exceeded 18,000sqm, attracting 15,277 visitors and 310 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions around the world. After years of cultivation and development, SF EXPO CHINA becomes one of the most successful surface finishing industry exhibitions in China, and it is also a surface finishing exhibition certified by The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI). It has made an important contribution to the technical exchange and trade docking of the international surface finishing industry. What’s more, it is also an important exhibition platform for overseas enterprises to enter the Chinese market. In 2021, SF EXPO CHINA will be held in Guangzhou on July 26 to 28.

The outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic caused a huge impact on all walks of life. Inevitably, the surface finishing industry also suffered a heavy blow. To overcome the difficulties, what changes and innovations will be made in SF EXPO CHINA 2021? What's the difference? How to ensure the exhibition effect?

(?) MFN: The impact of COVID-19 epidemic on the global economy is disastrous. Many enterprises are in difficulties. Why do you continue to hold SF EXPO CHINA 2021 under such circumstances?

(!) Z. Z.: It is true. All walks of life have been greatly affected by COVID-19 epidemic. And this impact will continue until 2021 or even longer. Fortunately, the Chinese government showed strong control and resource allocation capabilities, effectively controlled the spread of the domestic epidemic in less than half a year, and actively and orderly guided enterprises to resume work and production. However, the epidemic situation in other countries is still very serious. The domestic business declined sharply while the export business stagnated. The business operation of enterprises has fallen into long-term difficulties.

At present, China's economy has basically returned to the normal state as before the epidemic. Exhibitions are allowed to be held normally. Chinese market has become the focus of global attention. On one hand, enterprises affected by the epidemic are eager to find new sales growth points to get rid of difficulties. On the other hand, many enterprises still have strong desire to participate in the exhibition. Therefore, we decided to hold SF EXPO CHINA 2021 to provide more opportunities for the industry.

(?) MFN: Whether the exhibition will be greatly affected under the current situation? What preparations did you make?

(!) Z. Z.: Exhibitions were affected in 2020. But in my opinion, those held in China in 2021 will not be affected too much. Due to the epidemic, many enterprises with low productivity closed down, while those with market competitiveness gained more opportunities. China's market is huge, the demand for surface finishing is rigid, production capacity will not be reduced because of the epidemic. As an organizer of the exhibition, we put more effort into it than ever before. Firstly, in terms of publicity, we have done more in-depth than before. Secondly, we actively integrate industry resources on external cooperation. The most authoritative organization in China, China Electroplating Association and China Surface Engineering Association Painting of Branch, continue to be the hosts of SF EXPO CHINA 2021. Besides, more than ten surface finishing industry organizations of other cities support SF EXPO CHINA. Thirdly, SF EXPO CHINA has been held for 13 consecutive sessions, which has a deep influence in the industry. It is the first choice for many enterprises to participate in the exhibition. Well known enterprises such as Atotech, Coventya, Uyemura, Wagner, Nordson, Gema, ABB, IHI and so on have participated in our exhibition. Finally, we actively cooperate with the relevant government departments, and do a good job in epidemic prevention and control during the exhibition in strict accordance with the requirements. For visitors, the appointment system and real-name system are implemented to ensure the smooth holding of the exhibition.

(?) MFN: What are the opportunities in Chinese market? What are the promotion effects on the exhibition?

(!) Z. Z.: 2020 is the final year for the Chinese government to comprehensively build a well-off society and The thirteenth Five-Year Plan. This plan never changed even though the development speed was delayed due to the impact of the epidemic. It is also the starting year for the high-quality development of China's petroleum and chemical industry. Therefore, there are many opportunities for enterprises. In particular, the government proposes to build China’s economy dual circulation in an all-round way. In terms of market, it will further expand opening-up, while more emphasis will focus on improving quality and increment on industrial development, so that China will become a double center of global supply and demand, upgrade "made in China" to become a "intelligent manufacturing in China" covering R&D, scientific and technological innovation, and intelligent manufacturing, towards to the global high-end value chain.

In addition, the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area is also in further promotion without delay. The reformation of the old, new infrastructure, Internet of Things, and comprehensive ecological environment construction are actively implemented, which creates many opportunities for the surface finishing industry. As the bridgehead of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area, Guangzhou radiates the whole South China. Most of the end users of China's surface finishing industry, such as automobiles, building materials, 3C products and hardware etc. are concentrated in South China. Being held in Guangzhou, SF EXPO CHINA has a unique advantage that exhibitors can obtain better customer resources. This is also an important reason why SF EXPO CHINA can continue to lead.

(?) MFN: Are there any concurrent events on SF EXPO CHINA 2021?

(!) Z. Z.: Yes. The concurrent events are essential, including 2021 China (Guangzhou) Automotive Surface Engineering & Anti-corrosion Technology Seminar, 2021 Asia-Pacific Powder Paint & Coatings Application Technology Summit, The Sixth International Summit on Surface Finishing Industry Development, Asian Surface Finishing and Industrial Coatings New Technology and Products Promotion Conference, etc.

2021 China (Guangzhou) Automotive Surface Engineering & Anti-corrosion Technology Seminar focuses on a series of problems such as automotive surface engineering corrosion and protection, energy conservation and emission reduction, etc. We will invite the main machine factories and enterprises of automotive parts, surface finishing processing enterprises and suppliers, industry experts from well-known automobile enterprise like GAS R&D CENER, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Foton, Faw-Volkswagen, JAC, Citic Dicastal, Honeywell etc. to attend the technology seminar. 

2021 Asia-Pacific Powder Paint & Coatings Application Technology Summit will gather powder coatings manufacturers, paint finishing suppliers, pre-treatment and users to discuss a series application problem and solution about powder paint & coatings. A lot of famous enterprises will be invited, including Akzo Nobel, Tiger, DuPount, Henkel, Chemetall, ITW GEMA, Wagner, Five Source of Hangzhou, Galuminum Group, Gree, Huawei, etc.

The Sixth International Summit on Surface Finishing Industry Development will invite surface treatment association leaders and industry experts to give a series of keynote speeches on the development trend of surface finishing at home and abroad, environmental protection laws and regulations, safety production measures, new technology applications, etc.

For Information: 

Wise Exhibition (Guangdong) Co., Ltd.

Room 307, Jiaxing Building

No.15 Jinju Road, Guangzhou Avenue

Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510300 P.R. China

Tel. +86.20.29193588 / +86.20.29193589

Fax +86.20.29193591

E-mail: sfexpo@hotmail.com

www.sf-expo.cn/en