For Canadian corporations aiming to initiate a connection with the exploding national economy of the People's Republic of China, there's only one sensible way to go: Senior managers should submit a request for a personal invitation to the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), planned for Sept. 8 to Sept. 11 of this year.

To be presented within a mammoth trade-show facility in Xiamen, in Fujian province, CIFIT has been set up for the benefit of Canadian companies with existing interests in China, as well as those hoping to break new ground with potential customers and partners across the Pacific.

"This trade and investment fair was originally set up to attract foreign investment to China, whether it took the form of joint ventures, manufacturing opportunities, trade or capital injection," explains Peter Yung of Vancouver-based DTKH Communications, which acts as CIFIT's Canadian agent.

"But organizers have recently expanded the scope of the event," he adds. "Now this well'-attended trade forum also serves as a meeting place for companies wishing to come to China in search of partners, or to seek investors who want to put capital into Canadian and other foreign enterprises" By mastering the enormous logistical challenges posed by such a large-scale meeting of minds, CIFIT organizers have managed to achieve the near-impossible.



In a sense, they have shrunk the whole of Chinese enterprise into one manageable package. As many as 10,000 business and trade delegates from throughout this vast country will congregate in Xiamen for the show.

An invitation to CIFIT represents your admission ticket to China's booming economy. Those applying to attend this unique event will be asked to specify areas of interest. In response, organizers pledge to introduce them to the Chinese contacts best suited to help them achieve their goals.

Canadian delegates who attend this invitation-only event will be "matched" with prospective customers and partners (in advance of the fair) by officials from the Ministry of Commerce.

"We will schedule times for you to sit down and meet with these important Chinese contacts," says Yung, who adds that companies from virtually every sector of the Canadian scene will find much to interest them when they visit CIFIT. "They'll look at the specific nature of your business and line up the contacts most likely to be of maximum benefit to both parties. From small companies to international conglomerates, all are welcome. Mining companies, manufacturing companies, producers of raw materials - there is something for everyone," continues Yung.

As most North American decision-makers now realize, Chinese business leaders have worked hard to foster a spirit of co-operation and good will with off-shore customers and partners partners. CIFIT represents that spirit in action.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, as well as provincial and municipal agencies, CIFIT represents the country's largest economic trade initiative. Because of its unique advantages in attracting foreign enterprises and investment, CIFIT has aroused great interest and attention from investors, business people, economic institutions worldwide.

"Most corporate representatives are overwhelmed when they realize the number of Chinese business contacts who wish to meet them," underscores Yung, who attended the function last year on behalf of DTKH Communications.

"I know we put two signs up on our booth and people absolutely poured in to speak with us. These were over and above the delegates with whom we had made specific appointments," he says.

Most observers already understand that Canadian companies that are slow to explore the possibilities represented by trade and partnership with China are taking an enormous risk.

As Federal Industry Minister David Anderson recently told the Vancouver Sun editorial board: "We've got to recognize that we are a small economy ... Canadian companies are going to have to start navigating those (Chinese) waters or lose out on substantial opportunities."

Any way you look at it, CIFIT is the best place to start making it happen.

As stated, CIFIT is an invitation-only trade and investment fair. And those whose queries lead to an invitation will enjoy a variety of priced-to-please travel/ accommodation options.

Business class travellers may choose from three all-inclusive options, including transportation and hotel, ranging in price from $3,170 to $3,370. Three economy packages are also available, ranging from $1,930 to $2,130. (There is no extra room charge for those wishing to double up, with the exception of $12 for breakfast for a second person.)

For information, contact Peter Yung at 604.738.7233 (ext. 33) or by e-mail at pyung@dtkh.com. Or contact Carmen Ruiz y Laza at 604.312.8812 or by e-mail at carmen@dtkh.com.

You can also visit www.chinafair.org.cn/ chinafair2004/website /english/index/index.aspx Or simply use Google or Yahoo to find CIFIT.