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Team Leader's Notes from the 2014 Essen International Tire Exhibition in Germany


03-19

In 2012, I led a group to the Essen Tire Exhibition in Germany for the first time. Two years later, returning to Germany, I naturally felt a sense of revisiting familiar places. During that week in Germany, I learned that the temperature in Jinan had soared to 38℃, making it unbearably hot; while Essen was only 15℃, even wearing a coat in the mornings and evenings still felt a little chilly, and there was occasional light rain. I couldn't help but feel a little schadenfreude towards my friends back home.
Audience waiting to enter
 
The Frankfurt Middle East Dubai Auto Parts Exhibition was about to open a week later. To facilitate the company's subsequent participation in the Dubai exhibition and meet the travel requirements of different personnel, the German exhibition group arranged two itineraries: round trip from Germany and round trip from Germany to Dubai. Flights included both direct and connecting flights. Two years ago, when I came to Germany, a visa interview was required, and arrival cards needed to be filled out on the plane. This time, these hassles were eliminated, making the trip much more pleasant. The only thing that might be inconvenient for Chinese people is the long wait for tax refunds at the airport. The long queues mean that arriving at the airport several hours in advance is definitely a wise move.
Photo taken at the exhibition
This year's tour added ZONS town and the Dutch OUTLETS to last year's itinerary, allowing guests to enjoy the picturesque scenery of European towns while taking home plenty of souvenirs. Dinner arrangements were diverse, including pork knuckle meals, hot pot, buffets, and table service, and we also sampled several authentic German beers. The boxed lunches included additional side dishes and yogurt not offered by other tour groups. Wireless network cards were also provided in the exhibition hall... Our tour leaders and travel agency put a lot of thought into providing the best possible experience for our guests. Areas for improvement will be addressed, and we hope to do even better next time.
Tasting German pork knuckle
This year's exhibition attracted approximately 650 tire manufacturers and trading companies from 44 countries and regions worldwide. More than two-thirds of the exhibitors were from outside Germany, with approximately 140 Chinese companies. World-renowned tire giants such as Goodyear (USA), Michelin (France), Continental (Germany), Hankook (South Korea), Pirelli (Italy), Cooper (USA), Weihai Triangle, Yantai Linglong, and Hangzhou Zhongce were all present. The four-day exhibition attracted 19,000 professional visitors from over 130 countries and regions worldwide, with more than half from outside Germany. Over 90% of the visitors were decision-makers in their companies. All the data shows the importance, influence, and high level of professionalism of the Essen International Tire Exhibition. Immediately after the exhibition, we received news that the United Steelworkers (USW) had requested the US International Trade Commission to launch anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into Chinese passenger car and light truck tires. Compared to the volatile US market, the European market is relatively stable. I sincerely hope that the Chinese companies participating in this exhibition will all secure large orders from the European market and grow into world-renowned companies like Goodyear, Michelin, and Continental.
Exhibition scene
In the evenings, when most of the group members were asleep, I would often go to the hotel bar with Jack (a group member) and a few others for drinks. A few glasses of dark beer and "Lady’s Beer" later, we would relax, chat casually, and enjoy the peaceful and leisurely time after a busy day. May such beautiful moments always be with us.
 

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Zhenghe Exhibition visited Nigerian automotive technology and other industry associations to promote cooperation on the 2025 Nigeria (Lagos) China Goods Expo.


From January 3rd to 6th, 2025, representatives of Zhenghe Exhibition's overseas staff successively visited the secretariat of the Nigerian Automotive Technicians Association (NATA), the Amalgamated Union of Automobile Motor Mechanics and Technicians of Nigeria (AUOMMATON), and the Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN). This visit primarily focused on in-depth discussions and exchanges regarding cooperation for the 2025 Nigeria (Lagos) China Commodities Fair. During the meetings, representatives of Zhenghe Exhibition's overseas staff introduced the basic situation of the Nigeria (Lagos) China Commodities Fair to the heads of the business associations. The heads of the various business associations acknowledged the significant achievements made by the exhibition in recent years. During the discussions, the three industry association leaders provided detailed information about their respective associations. As leaders and promoters of associations related to the automotive industry in Nigeria, these three associations have a wide influence in Nigeria and even West Africa. Against the backdrop of continuously deepening and upgrading China-Africa cooperation, they expressed high expectations for actively promoting trade cooperation between Nigeria and China in the automotive industry. The heads of the associations also stated their willingness to work with Zhenghe International Exhibition to jointly promote the continuous development of the Nigeria (Lagos) China Commodities Fair, uniformly organize member units to participate in the exhibition, and conduct one-on-one matchmaking discussions with Chinese exhibitors. As Africa's second-largest economy and most populous country, Nigeria has a huge demand for automotive and auto parts products, largely relying on imports. In Nigeria, over 90% of Nigerians tend to choose 'tokunbo' (used cars), which makes the 'tokunbo' distribution business very profitable in Nigeria. With the Nigerian government relaxing age restrictions on imported used cars, the volume of used car imports will further increase. Consequently, the auto parts market, both upstream and downstream of Nigeria's used car industry chain, will also see more opportunities. After years of operation by Chinese automakers, Chinese cars have established considerable 'prestige' in Nigeria. At the same time, the scarcity of local car repair outlets and the high cost of spare parts in Nigeria also indicate immense potential for Chinese auto parts exports to the Nigerian market.

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Deep cultivation of fertile soil ensures abundant blossoms - The 2025 Nigeria Lagos China Commodities Fair embarks on a new journey!


Nigeria is an important trade partner and investment destination for China in Africa, and also China's largest contracted project market in Africa. In 2023, the new contract value for Chinese enterprises' contracted engineering business in Nigeria reached 10.45 billion USD, with a turnover of 3.98 billion USD. On September 3, 2024, China and Nigeria issued a joint statement announcing the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership, promoting the building of a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future, and explicitly strengthening cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction. Chinese Products are Hot-selling in the Nigerian Market under the Framework of China-Africa Cooperation According to data from the General Administration of Customs, from January to July 2024, China's imports and exports with Africa totaled 1.19 trillion CNY, a year-on-year increase of 5.5%. 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In terms of fabrics, wax prints with unique craftsmanship and patterns, and brightly colored African jacquard fabrics are popular; for finished garments, shirts and sportswear with Chinese cultural elements or designs that align with local aesthetic preferences are highly sought after; regarding accessories, exquisite embroidery and unique buttons could also be among the featured products. 3. Auto Parts Products Nigeria is considered Africa's largest potential automotive market. In Nigeria, over 90% of Nigerians prefer "tokunbo" (used cars), making the "tokunbo" distribution business very profitable in Nigeria. With the Nigerian government relaxing age restrictions on imported used cars, the volume of used car imports will further increase. Therefore, the auto parts market, both upstream and downstream of Nigeria's used car industry chain, will also see more opportunities. 4. Wigs and Hair Products Eight out of every 10 Nigerian women wear wigs. 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