Special supplement: LEDs to light up Guzhen fair

Energy-efficient LED products will illuminate a special pavilion in the coming 7th China (Guzhen) International Lighting Fair, showing the growing popularity and number of applications for the hi-tech product.

"From the energy-saving and environmentally friendly point of view, the LED market is promising and has attracted a great number of companies into the business," said Xu Shuangbin, a fair representative.

To meet the trend, the organizer set aside the special venue for LED - or energy-efficient light-emitting diode - products for the first time at the fair, which will be held in the town of Guzhen, Zhongshan of Guangdong province between October 18 and 21.

The 1,000-sq-m special venue has attracted 45 companies to showcase their products, Xu said.

LEDs work differently from traditional light bulbs, shining when electricity passes through them rather than using a filament.

Smaller, safer, more energy-efficient, more environmentally friendly, more durable and cooler to the touch, LEDs have revolutionized the lighting industry. Among their many applications are use in traffic lights, decorative lighting, display panels and automobiles.

As one of the world's four largest lighting manufacturing centers and markets, Guzhen is deeply involved in the formulation of Chinese standards for LED products, Xu said.

Five companies from Guzhen are jointly formulating 12 national standards with other parties. One company has developed three new LED products that will be launched at the fair.

This year's fair covers 65,000 sq m of floor space. By September 2, 465 companies had signed up, with 51 percent from Guzhen and 16 percent from other parts of Zhongshan.

Last year, the fair registered 515 exhibitors and 69,952 buyers from 124 countries and regions.

(China Daily 10/13/2008 page5)