Representatives from Japanese company Timeworld Co introduce Oxygen Capsule, a machine they claim relieves fatigue and slows the aging process, to a visitor at the East China Fair, which opened yesterday at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. — Zhang Suoqing

As country’s rapidly rising demand for quality imported products,the East China Fair opened yesterday in Shanghai left more space for foreign exhibitors this year.

Hoping to tap into the Chinese market, exhibitors from countries including Japan, South Korea and Thailand are showcasing their products at the event. They range from health food, cosmetics to designer furniture, household products, and arts and crafts.

Priced at 108,000 yuan (US$16,497), an ornately beautiful Japanese wooden table displayed by Kishin Co is probably beyond the means of most residents, while Timeworld Co is showcasing a machine called Oxygen Capsule, which the firm says relieves fatigue and slows the aging process.

Hiroiku Ichinose, deputy general manager of Shanghai Jiwan Commercial and Trade Co, said his company anticipates rising demand in China for its handmade quilts.

“It is the second time for us to attend the East China Fair, because we were surprised and inspired by the good results last year,” Ichinose said.

According to a recent report by the Shanghai Commission of Commerce, the city’s imports of consumer goods rose 20.8 percent from 2014 to US$42.4 billion in 2015. It said this is a reflection of China’s growing demand for such products.

Foreign food suppliers are also keen on the Chinese market.

John Piper of Primland Asia Pacific said his company is stepping up efforts to sell kiwi fruit in China.

The fair, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center in the Pudong New Area, will run through Saturday.

 *This article was published on shanghaidaily.com.