With its rapidly ageing population, China offers the world’s largest “silver market” – and trade shows are seen as the best way for foreign companies to start to tap into these consumers.
About one third of the Chinese economy is now “silver”. There are more than 220 million people 60 years and older – more than the populations of France, Germany and the UK combined. This is set rise to 480 million by 2050 – about a quarter of the world’s elderly.
This growing consumer segment has greater spending power, more leisure time and improved lifestyles, according to Intex Shanghai, which is the lead organiser for the annual ChinaAid exhibition, which will have its 17th edition at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from June 8 to 10.
Managed by the Shanghai Ageing Development Center, the show is supported by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and such organisations as the China National Committee on Ageing. Other organisers include the Shanghai Municipal Committee on Ageing, China Silver Industry Association and the Shanghai Health Industry Development Association.
Offering promotional and networking opportunities for businesses seeking a foothold in China, the show has had 66 per cent growth over the past three years.