The 12th Asian Retailers Convention and Exhibition will be held in Beijing from September 6 to 10.

　　More than 1,500 international retailers from the Asian-Pacific region and 2,500 domestic retailers will attend the biannual event, which is for the first time being held in China.

　　The exhibition, covering 35,000 square metres, will demonstrate retailing equipment, modern logistics management, retailing technologies and domestic and international commodities.

　　Zhang Shuping, executive chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), said 2005 is the first year that China will fully open its retailing sector in line with the country's commitment to the World Trade Organization.

　　"Holding such a grand event at this time will provide a stage for domestic enterprises to show their wares to the world," Zhang said.

　　Meanwhile the event will enable Chinese manufacturers and retailers to explore international markets, to cultivate domestic retailing giants and create more global brands, he said.

　　Participants will establish direct, close, stable and long-term trade relationships at the event, Zhang said.

　　The Federation of Asian Retailers Associations, which has members from 17 Asian-Pacific countries and regions, holds the event, and CGCC hosts it this year.

　　Competition in the retailing sector grew more intense last year: Mergers and acquisitions happened one after another.

　　Shanghai Bailian Group, China's largest merchandise conglomerate was established last April.

　　The giant, with combined assets of 40 billion yuan (US$4.82 billion), was jointly set up by Shanghai No 1 Department Store Co Ltd, Shanghai Hualian Co Ltd, Shanghai Friendship Co Ltd and Shanghai Materials and Logistics Co Ltd.

　　A couple of weeks later, two of Beijing's major tourism commercial services, China Beijing Quanjude Group, famous for roast duck, and Beijing New Yansha Group, which owns the Beijing Lufthansa Centre, merged with Beijing Tourism Group, creating total assets of 20 billion yuan (US$2.42 billion).

(ce.cn)