By Matthew Spieler
SHANGHAI—All eyes were on China last month as the 11th annual Domotex asia/China-Floor (DACF) opened to larger than expected crowds despite the world’s dire financial condition. Final figures for the world’s second largest flooring market were not available at press time, but organizers estimated first-day as 10% above last year’s record breaking event.

While the economy certainly took its toll on the show as the overall number of exhibitors was lower than last year, not to mention China’s two most famous brands—Power Dekor and Elegant Living—did not exhibit, it did not stop visitors and the estimated 1,000-plus manufacturers scattered among 8.5 football field sized halls from declaring the event a success.

During the opening ceremonies, which, along with the ritual ribbon-cutting and speeches, featured a fashion show sponsored by wood and laminate manufacturer China-floors/Lamett, Wolfgang Lenarz, senior vice president of DACF co-owner Deutsche Messe, said the market is the perfect venue for doing business, especially during the current financial crisis.

“Business is done through people, and DACF offers the avenue to meet face-to-face and develop relationships and strategies to help overcome the tough economic times.”

He added, “During the present economic situation, doing business in China is still worthwhile,” noting the country’s growth rate is still projected at 9%. “It still presents a great opportunity.”

In fact, the March 30 edition of the Shanghai Daily, stated China’s industrial output rose 5.2% during the first two months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.

And, while major industrial exports continued to fall, along with profits, the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said in February alone, industrial output expanded 11% from a year earlier, showing the downtrend appeared to be easing.

(Editor’s note: FCNews will have more extensive coverage of DACF in an upcoming issue.)