Second international solar energy trade mission to China

The second “PV Business Tour China 2006” will be held from 26 November to 1 December 2006. This international and solar PV dedicated trade mission, organised by SolarPlaza, will include visits to major Chinese manufacturers such as Suntech Power and CEEG Nanjing PV-Tech. During the various events of the tour, the participants are likely to meet with more than 40 Chinese PV companies. Registration is open to anyone interested to explore business opportunities with Chinese companies and other delegates.

More than 30 international business executives took part in the previous China tour. “The insights I gained about the future of Chinese manufacturing were terrific. Moreover, the networking with other international PV leaders that I enjoyed during informal meetings during the tour were indispensable”, said participant Barry Cinnamon, CEO of USA Akeena Solar. The different backgrounds of the delegates have proven to be a unique way to establish close relationships. SolarPlaza will organise this tour in close collaboration with the Chinese government agency NDRC/PMO and the Chinese Renewable Energy Industries Association (CREIA).

Programme
The focus of this international PV trade mission is to meet Chinese manufacturers of solar grade silicon, wafers, cells, modules and other PV components. In and around Nanjing several new and rapidly growing PV manufacturers have started activities. Some of these companies have been invited to give a presentation such as, for example, cell and module producers Linyang SolarFun and the Jiangsu Sunshine Group and the cell and module manufacturer Ningbo Solar Electric Power Co. As part of the tour a dedicated symposium on the topic of Chinese solar grade silicon and wafer production will be organised in Shanghai. Major players such as LDK Solar and new silicon manufacturer Jinlong Industrial Group have been invited to present their experiences and future plans. This symposium will end with an informal business lunch.

All major Chinese PV companies and those interested in (starting) OEM activities will be invited to join a brokerage event with the international delegates in Nanjing or in Shanghai. During the previous tour, these delegates took advantage of this unique event to meet with more than 40 Chinese PV companies. The companies can present themselves briefly to enhance further efficient contacts and one-on-one meetings. The brokerage events will end with a joint informal business lunch.

Fully organised trade mission
The PV Business Tour programme is fully organised and includes stays in 4-star hotels and all travel arrangements. This intensive experience will provide a unique way to explore new business opportunities with other committed international solar business people and to enjoy with them discussions, informal dinners and Chinese nightlife. This event will also include a sightseeing tour in Nanjing. The all-inclusive fee for the tour is € 3,750. Participants only have to arrange their return flight tickets to Shanghai where the tour starts and ends.

Business owners, entrepreneurs and executives interested in developing partnership networks and build up close relationships with other international participants are welcome to join this trade mission. The details of the complete programme and a registration form are available on the website: www.solarplaza.com, the global solar PV marketplace for trade and information.
Companies interested are advised to respond quickly since the number of delegates will be limited and the last SolarPlaza tour to China was over subscribed. The availability of flights to Shanghai may also be limited. Participants must apply for a visa. The Chinese organisers and SolarPlaza will provide a formal invitation letter that is required when applying for a visa.

Market expectations
The Chinese PV industry is growing rapidly with many new entrants. The ambition of the Chinese PV industry is to grow with about 400% in the coming 5 years. Currently, China is the world’s third country in terms of solar cell production capacity with more than 20 manufacturers. Industrial activities are stimulated by tax incentives and other benefits, which provide a good foundation for further growth. The SolarPlaza report “The Chinese PV Market and Industry” showed that it will be likely that the Chinese PV industry will dominate the global market within 5 years.

About SolarPlaza
www.SolarPlaza.com is the global PV marketplace that offers a range of (matchmaking) services to empower solar business activities. The “PV Business Tour China 2006” is the successor of similar trade missions to China and Spain. Following this China Tour, SolarPlaza will organise a trade mission to Greece and Italy in March next year. More information about these business tours and market reports can be found if you visit www.solarplaza.com.

Contact:

Edwin Koot SolarPlaza
SOLARPLAZA President
Conradstraat 18 1E-154
Rotterdam
The Netherlands
P.O. Box 2299
3000 CG Rotterdam
Telephone: +31 10 280 9198
Fax: +31 10 280 7265
Website: www.solarplaza.com
E-mail: e.koot@solarplaza.com

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