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China pavilion is the draw

BS Economy Bureau in New Delhi

There is barely any space to move around in Hall 18 at Pragati Maidan. The China pavilion, spread over 1,500 square metres, had become the top draw at the 22nd India International Trade Fair which opened on Thursday.

The Chinese have shelled out $150 a square metre to display products ranging from motorcycles, air-conditioners, lamps and ceramics to fashionable garments and footwear.

All, of course, are strictly not for sale and enquiries are entertained mostly from wholesalers and distributors.

This, however, made no difference to the Indian consumer who thronged the stalls in the hope of striking a good bargain.

Zongshen is there with an electric bike equipped with a battery to be recharged every 25 km. The price: Rs 24,000. A 110-cc, 4-gear bike with a mileage of 50 km a litre costs Rs 30,000 while a 125-cc bike comes for Rs 35,000. A comparable Indian bike will cost at least Rs 4,000-5,000 more.

Clumsy English is evident in handwritten signs saying "Please bestow namecard" and in conversations with representatives at most of the stalls.

However, the Chinese strength in selling goods shows in their efforts to carry on a coherent conversation in English.

Interesting names were there, like the Luayang Northern Ek Chor Motorcycle Company.

Also, Moon Rabbit batteries, made by the Chongquing Qanguang Power Company, whose assistant manager was at pains to explain that while the batteries were cheap, quality was not a problem.

"The general impression that Chinese batteries are not of good quality is because of low-end suppliers. Quality varies from company to company," he added.

The price was, of course, attractive, with a pack of a dozen paper jacket pencil batteries coming for Rs 10, with each guaranteed to run continuously for 50 minutes at least.

The metal jacket batteries, at Rs 50 a dozen, are guaranteed to run for 400 minutes at a stretch.

Looking for the "cheap Chinese products" everyone has heard of, however, may not be a good idea.

The agent of a high-end garment supplier explained, "Even if the free-on-board value of a piece is $4, which is around Rs 200, freight charges and customs duties will push the price of a flimsy spaghetti top with sequin work up to Rs 600. Of course, anyone looking at it will ask why one should pay so much for a flimsy piece of net."

He quickly added, though, that the same piece would sell for Rs 2,000 at a fashion boutique in Mumbai.

The same problem is faced by suppliers of electrical appliances. Kitchen appliances like mixies are available at $13 for wholesalers. The retail price will go up to $25.

"We have got a lot of enquiries, but I don't think much business will work out because duties in India are very high," said the representative from the Xin Hui City Muzhou Town Jian Ming Electrical Factory.

A 50-seater luxury bus at the entrance of the China pavilion carries a price tag of Rs 40 lakh (inclusive of duties).

It comes with an air-conditioner, 18-inch television, a VCD player and a toilet. The bus and the products on display can be all yours on November 27 when the exhibitors plan to sell them.

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