The Asia Bottled Water Association (ABWA) has rescheduled its trade fair for the 17th to the 19th November 2003, following the World Health Organisation's decision to grant clearance for travel to Shanghai.
"Sales of bottled water in Asia have doubled over the past four years to reach US$6.6 billion (€5.6bn)," said ABWA secretary general Ita Thaher. "China is one of the world's fastest growing markets and Shanghai is the country's most vibrant city.
"Anyone with a commercial interest in bottled water should take this opportunity to learn from the Chinese experience for themselves."
One of the event's major attractions will be a trade fair displaying the latest industry equipment and technology.
The main conference session will be opened by Zong Qinghou, general manager of Chinese market leader Wahaha. Other speakers include Hector Guballa, president and general manager of Cosmos Bottling Corporation from the Philippines, and Lim Kok Boon, managing director of Malaysian firm Spritzer.
There will also be presentations on market trends from Zenith International, and on quality standards from Groupe Danone. Richard Azera, chairman of the industry's International Council will give a global outlook of the bottled water industry in Asia.
There will also be nine practical workshop sessions and a full two-day plant operator training course on offer. The workshops will cover a range of topics from industry consolidation to good manufacturing practices, with four dedicated to tips on doing business in China.
The event is being organised by Zenith International.