Organized by the federations of consumer products trade centers across the country, CEWG aims to help domestic companies explore overseas markets and to offer opportunities for overseas buyers to investigate domestic watches and gift manufacturers on-site.

"CEWG is an extension from the distinguished watch and clock fair held in Hong Kong which boasts a favorable trading environment and high-quality service system while Shenzhen stresses its rich production resource," said Gao Shuying, general manager of Shenzhen Timepieces Trade Center Ltd and Shenzhen Mingyu Exhibition Co Ltd, a co-organizer of CEWG.

To secure the success of the fair, the organizers distributed invitation letters to 8,092 trading companies and business organizations in 152 countries and regions months in advance of the fair. A website was also created, accessible since April, in both Chinese and English.

A free shuttle bus service between the fair site to the factory and from Hong Kong to Shenzhen will be provided once the four-day event is under way.

With the fear of SARS receding, greater numbers of exhibitors are expected to be at the fair. Some 100 watch making firms and 50 gift and jewellery companies have already confirmed their place at the fair.

(China Daily June 30, 2003)