UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), British Consulate-General Guangzhou is organising a furniture design outward mission to Dongguan and Shenzhen from 15th to 20th March 2010. The mission is designed as a platform for UK designers and design companies to expand their network, to bring attention to their creativity, and most importantly to explore business opportunities in Southern China.

China overtook Italy as the largest furniture exporter in 2005. China accounts for 17% of the total furniture of the world market. There are 50,000 furniture manufacturers in China. The average annual growth rate is 15%.

In Dongguan, furniture industry is one of the eight pillar industries, with nearly 3,000 furniture production and related enterprises. The annual output is about 80 billion Yuan (around US$ 11.76 billion), taking account 20% of furniture production in China. Moreover, It produces about 60% of furniture exported from China every year.

Traditionally an industrial centre for furniture production, Shenzhen has evolved into a high tech, design and service oriented city. In 2008, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) formally recognised Shenzhen as the “City of Design.” Over 2500 furniture manufacturers employing nearly 200,000 people produce a total annual output of US $12.46 billion. This figure represents 20% of Shenzhen’s total GDP.

With the reform of the furniture industry and the size of the industry expanding, there is an increasing demand for design, new & high quality materials, and environmental-friendly & innovative techniques. Manufacturers are realising the importance of design. Thus, the industry is investing more in creativity and innovation – meaning more and more business opportunities in this industry in China.

UKTI is arranging a mission to the two furniture exhibitions: the International Famous Furniture Fair (Dongguan) and the Shenzhen International Furniture Exhibition, both of which are organised by local governments and furniture associations. UKTI will partner Dongguan Famous Furniture Association and Shenzhen Furniture Trade Association for this mission. We sincerely invite you to join us. The tentative mission programme is attached. Introductions to the two exhibitions, organisers and cities are also provided.

The maximum number of participants is six. You are advised to apply as soon as possible and by no later than Wednesday the 3rd February 2010. To apply, please complete the downloadable application form and email it back to: Ms. Lee Li at lee.li@fco.gov.uk