Pleass Global Limited human resources and marketing director Cate Pleass said she was optimistic the company would form more business partnerships during the 2023 China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Ms Pleass was the first Fijian trader to set up her collection of Vai Wai Natural Artesian Water at the expo in Shanghai, China on Sunday.

The expo runs from November 5 to 10.

More exhibitors are expected to arrive this week.

Ms Pleass said other Fiji companies showcasing their products at the expo include Lami Kava, Pure Fiji, Taki Mai, Noni Essentials, Island Chill and Yofi Water.

Lami Kava is showcased in Fiji’s exhibition area at the 6th China International Import Expo in Shanghai,China on November 5,2023. Photo: Salote Qalubau

She said this was only the second year that Pleass Global had participated at the CIIE.

“I have come over for this exhibition because I think it’s a great opportunity to look for new partners in China and expand our brand presence in China,” she said.

She said export markets for Vai Wai Natural Artesian Water included the US, Middle East, South East Asia, Pacific Islands as well as Australia and New Zealand with its major focus markets being China and the US, which she said were the company’s biggest markets.

About the expo 

This year’s CIIE comprises 154 participating countries, 69 exhibiting countries and 3,400 registered exhibitors. There are a total of 11 countries participating for the first time, 34 physically attending the event post-COVID and about 300 Fortune 500 companies.

Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has attracted two million registered visitors, 131 countries and international organisations that participated in the exhibition and 15000 companies that took part in the business exhibition.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj