The wig industry has become a key driver of foreign trade of central China's Henan Province with Africa.
The city of Xuchang in Henan now boasts more than 4,000 enterprises involved in the wig products business. Over 3,000 types of their hair products have been exported to more than 120 countries and regions, with a market share of over 70 percent in Africa. In a local wig factory, workers were busy cutting materials, trimming, and packaging. The handmade wigs will be shipped to Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and other places in Africa.
"Wig products are the second largest export products in Henan Province and the pillar industry of foreign trade in Xuchang City. Up to now, three hair products enterprises in Xuchang have obtained certification as an AEO (Authorized Economic Operator). From January to July this year, the export of wig products from Henan Province [to Africa] has exceeded 3 billion yuan (about 42.13 million U.S. dollars), up 19.7 percent year on year, with products sold to over 20 African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo," said Yu Hao, deputy head of Xuchang Customs.
Six out of every ten wigs in the world are made in Xuchang, which has become the largest distribution center and export base of wig products globally. In 2023, the export value of wig products from Xuchang reached 16.85 billion yuan, accounting for 71 percent of the city's total export value.
"In the first seven months of this year, Henan's trade with Africa reached 16.33 billion yuan, up 22.2 percent from the same period last year. In the same period, the province's total import and export value with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana all surpassed 1 billion yuan, reaching 2.54 billion yuan, 2.25 billion yuan, 1.83 billion yuan and 1.28 billion yuan, respectively," said Yan Hong, head of the Statistical Analysis Division of Zhengzhou Customs.
Wig industry boosts Henan's trade with Africa
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
