The international fair, which took place in Guangzhou from May 20 to 23, has confirmed itself as the event of the year in the plastics and rubber field not only for the Far East markets but also for those of Middle East and Africa. Despite the edition of Guangzhou is generally considered less important than that of Shanghai (scheduled every two years), both the exhibitors and the net fairground area have grown from 2700 to 2972 and from 110,000 to 116,000 sqm respectively. The fair has gathered more than 114,000 visitors, with the peak of turnout at the second day, with more than 40,000 attendees. Over 50 Italian companies took part at the event within the framework of a national collective coordinated by Assocomaplast, the Italian plastics and rubber processing machinery and moulds manufacturers' Association.