Global Sources announced the opening of the 14th International IC-China Conference & Exhibition (IIC-China) at Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center. A spokesmen for the organizer and an representative of the industry association expressed optimism about the Shenzhen electronics industry emerging from the global financial crisis stronger.

"Mainland China's electronics exports may have slowed down from the double-digit growth we are used to, but they remain robust. Mainland China is the single largest source of manufactured electronics worldwide. It is an industry driven by both global and domestic demand," said Mark A. Saunderson, President of Global Sources' Electronics Business Unit.

He said that buyers sent about 18 million inquiries to suppliers through Global Sources Online in the fourth quarter of 2008, up 119% from the same period a year earlier. Further, according to the "2009 Importer Survey", completed this month by Global Sources, close to 50% of surveyed buyers expect to maintain or increase their total import value in 2009. And China remains at the center of their sourcing plans, with 57% of surveyed buyers expecting to increase or maintain their total value of imports from China in 2009, as compared to 2008. Global Sources is, therefore, stepping up its efforts to help China suppliers selling products to the international market. In addition to the Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen stops, IIC-China has this year been expanded to Xi'an, Wuhan and Dongguan.

Cai Jinjiang, Secretary-General of the Shenzhen Semiconductor Industry Association, expressed confidence that Shenzhen enterprises will find opportunities amid the global financial crisis. He believes that, despite of the slowdown, exports of consumer electronics will remain strong. Consumers all over the world are changing their consumption preferences and behaviors. They are more willing than before to purchase lower end products and, thus, and will rely more on imports from China. This will bring incredible opportunities to China's manufacturing industry. In mainland China, the government has recently launched a series of stimulus plans. For companies that focus on improving product quality and boosting innovation, this will give them a very good opportunity to thrive during this challenging time.

Cai also said that Shenzhen's electronics industry is a leading force in China, with some IC companies possessing technologies up to world standards. In this "Capital of Design", Shenzhen IC design companies are resilient and have adapted to market changes. This year, many Shenzhen enterprises will be exhibiting in IIC-China. These enterprises have changed from relying on imported ICs to using locally made ICs for product exports and have leapt to the spotlight of the world stage. Competing on the world stage, Shenzhen's semiconductor industry has a future. Industry suppliers will help and support each other and move confidently out of the "cold winter".