Zhu Xianren, general manager of Shanghai Huasheng Textile Co, poses with a foreign merchant he met at China Yiwu International Commodities Fair. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

The annual China Yiwu International Commodities Fair (Yiwu Fair), which will run from Oct 21-25 this year, will bring exhibitors business opportunities beyond their expectations, according to a Shanghai entrepreneur who was interviewed on Oct 4.

"My story with Yiwu Fair began in 2008 when a foreign client asked if I could accompany him to the fair in Yiwu in Zhejiang province," said Zhu Xianren, general manager of Shanghai Huasheng Textile Co.

Impressed by the enthusiasm of visitors and the variety of exhibits, Zhu saw Yiwu Fair as a not-to-miss event for his business and has been inviting foreign clients to the fair for over 10 years.

"Sometimes my clients make some unplanned purchases just because they are fascinated by some new designs or ideas," said Zhu, recalling his previous experiences at the fair.

"The variety of exhibits is one of the major attractions of Yiwu Fair," said Tang Chunfang, general secretary of the Shanghai Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export.

The chamber has been organizing Shanghai-based companies to take part in Yiwu Fair Since 2013.

"Yiwu Fair is undoubtedly a great choice as our members are from all walks of life. The fair can not only save us a considerable amount of purchase costs, but show us the trends in different industries." Tang added.

Starting in 1995, Yiwu Fair has been developing in line with Yiwu, an epicenter of commodity retailing. The previous 24 fairs have made Yiwu famous as a "city of conventions and exhibitions".

According to updates from its official website, the 25th Yiwu Fair will set up 3,600 international standard stands at the Yiwu International Expo Center. The confirmed guests include over 10,000 foreign merchants from 200 countries and regions.