While markets the world over are collapsing and stock markets coming crashing down, the Chinese market is enjoying unabated growth. With annual economic growth of more than 8 % and a trade surplus of US$ 216 billion, the country is set to become an economic superpower. Shenzhen, the new boom town in Southern China, is an excellent example of this trend. China's first ZOW supplier trade fair for the furniture industry and interior design will run here between 19-22 March 2009 at the heart of the country’s southern furniture province of Guangdong.

The furniture industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in China. In the first half of 2008 alone, exports rose by 28 % over the previous year and imports even increased by 33 %. Due to ongoing investments in the real estate industry, China’s domestic market is also in a good position. Sales prospects for international and Chinese furniture suppliers are very positive.   

There is a growing awareness of quality and the need to protect the environment in China. Premier Wen Jiabao recently said: "We want to achieve sustainable development by adopting a resource-conserving and environment-friendly approach." Chinese furniture manufacturers have recognised this trend and are developing new marketing strategies, most of which are aimed at the profitable upper price segment. Growing purchasing power in China, the country’s vast neighbour of Russia and several Asian emerging markets, such as India and Malaysia, are providing the basis for this