Wang Yuanyuan

    THE total transaction volume at the 8th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF), which opens Friday, is expected to reach 140 billion yuan (US$22 billion).

    More than 15,000 overseas buyers from 95 countries and regions will come to the fair, about 3,000 more than last year, the fair’s organizing committee said Thursday.

    The number of buyers coming from Southeast Asia increased sharply from previous years, while fewer buyers from Europe have registered for this year’s fair. Exact buyer numbers and reasons for changes will be revealed after the fair closes Monday, the organizer said.

    A total of 1,928 exhibitors, 30 more than last year, will show cultural products and technologies.

    The main venue for this year’s fair, Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District, will have eight separate halls featuring creative arts, cultural industry products, TV and film animation and games, cultural heritage, publications, paintings, crafts and more.

    This year’s fair will promote innovative combinations of culture and technology, focusing on areas including green technologies, low-carbon lifestyles and emerging technologies and industries.

    Various cultural activities, forums and business introduction meetings will be held at more than 30 subvenues across the city.

    Trading volume at last year’s fair reached at least 124 billion yuan.