China International Logistics Fair (CILF) in Shenzhen and company visits

Mission objectives

The primary goal of this mission is to provide participating companies with extensive networking opportunities, expand their local connections, and explore the latest developments and innovations in the supply chain sector.

Why China?

Our choice to focus on China is driven by several key factors:

• Massive market potential
• Global production & export hub
• E-commerce growth
• Technological innovations

Massive market potential

China boasts one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing consumer markets. With over a billion people, it presents tremendous opportunities for Dutch (logistics) companies to expand their customer base and increase revenue.

Global production and export hub

China is renowned as a global production hub, manufacturing a wide array of goods for domestic use and export. This creates a constant demand for logistics services, including transportation, storage, and distribution, which Dutch companies can efficiently provide.

Europe is China’s second-largest export partner, and the Netherlands plays a crucial role as a logistics hub within Europe. It is essential to continue promoting the Netherlands as Europe’s logistics gateway in China, maintaining existing relationships and forging new ones.

E-commerce growth

China has experienced rapid growth in e-commerce, with platforms like Alibaba, Temu, and JD.com dominating the market. Dutch logistics companies can capitalize on this trend by offering efficient and reliable solutions for cross-border e-commerce transactions between China and the Netherlands. The continued growth in cross-border e-commerce trade volume since 2012 highlights the market potential for Dutch logistics firms.

Technological innovations

China has made significant technological advancements in the supply chain sector, utilizing big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance supply chain efficiency. These innovations aid in demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics process optimization.

Chinese logistics companies also employ robotics in warehouses, with automated storage systems and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) or Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV). China has taken a leading position in developing these systems.

By connecting with Chinese companies and visiting local enterprises, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stay updated on the latest technological advancements in the supply chain and gain insights into how these technologies can improve your own processes.

Itinerary

Our journey starts on the evening of Thursday, September 19, in Shanghai with a welcome dinner, followed by a logistics seminar and company visits on Friday, September 20. Over the weekend, we’ll travel to Shenzhen, where we will host a Holland stand at the China International Logistics Fair (CILF) from Monday, September 23, to Wednesday, September 25. After the fair and a networking event in Shenzhen, we’ll move on to Guangzhou for a seminar and various company visits.

China International Logistics Fair (CILF)

The CILF is one of the largest and most influential logistics fairs globally. It attracts a wide range of participants, including logistics companies, transport companies, logistics equipment and technology suppliers, government agencies, and trade organizations. It offers an excellent opportunity for businesses to build relationships, understand market trends, explore collaboration opportunities, and participate in conferences and seminars on current topics in the logistics sector.

Company visits

During our mission, we will organize company visits with multiple goals in mind. We aim to explore business opportunities with Chinese companies, expand our network, gain insights into operational processes, and strengthen existing relationships. These visits also provide valuable opportunities to gather current market information.

We plan to visit a variety of companies, including logistics service providers, automation and robotics firms, ports and terminals, and logistics hubs. Examples include the fully automated warehouse of Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals, the innovation center of UBT Tech, Hai Robotics, and Nansha Port & Free Trade Zone.

If you have specific requests or ideas for companies you would like to visit, we would love to hear from you.

Logistics seminars and networking events

In collaboration with the Consulate, NFIA, and NBSO, we will organize several seminars and networking events. During these seminars, we will promote the Netherlands as Europe’s logistics hub and discuss the latest trends and developments in innovation and sustainability. Networking opportunities will follow each seminar. During the China International Logistics Fair, we will host networking events and offer the chance to participate in the CILF seminar program.

Benefits of this trip

• Numerous networking opportunities with Chinese shippers, exporters, and forwarders, particularly SMEs, during networking events and at the fair. Surveys from previous trips show that most participants identify several leads during the mission.
• Exposure for your organization through the mission booklet, logo display, and the option to show a PR film at our stand at the fair.
• Excellent networking opportunities with a broad representation of the Dutch logistics sector.
• Access to the latest technological innovations in the supply chain from China.
• Reconnecting with China post-pandemic, amidst a climate where Chinese companies are eager to establish business relationships.

Costs

Participation in this mission costs €3,250.00 per person, excluding travel and accommodation expenses. If you do not join us in Shanghai, the cost is €2,500.00 per person.

What’s included?

• Participation in networking events and seminars
• Free access to the fair and exposure at our stand
• Dinner with the delegation
• Bus transfers from Shenzhen to Guangzhou and to company visits
• Company visits in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen

Interested?

If you are interested in joining our delegation and participating in our (networking) activities around the CILF, please contact Jasper Eggebeen.

Participants: Who is who

Look at the mission booklet introducing the participants of our 2024 mission to China.

(See the Chinese version of the booklet)