China remains top international market at CES, says CTA president

People visit the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the United States, Jan. 9, 2020. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

"China remains a top international market at CES, with many Chinese companies, including Hisense, Skyworth and VVFly Electronics participating in this year's show to build their brand and forge global partnerships," organizer of the Consumer Electronics Show said.

by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- China remains a top international market at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), with many Chinese companies participating in this year's all-digital show to build their brand and forge global partnerships, Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), organizer of the CES, told Xinhua on Tuesday.

The 2021 CES, the world's premier tech show, kicked off online Monday, the first-ever all-digital show in its 50-plus-year history.

The new experience brings exhibitors from around the world online, showcasing virtually the latest trends and innovation in artificial intelligence, 5G, digital health, smart cities, vehicle tech and beyond.

"The technology unveiled at CES will change lives on a global scale. At the first all-digital CES 2021, we anticipate several announcements about how tech is moving us forward," Shapiro told Xinhua in a written interview.

The all-digital CES 2021 features more than 1,900 exhibitors, with 210 companies based in China, including 13 startups, according to Shapiro.

"China remains a top international market at CES, with many Chinese companies, including Hisense, Skyworth and VVFly Electronics participating in this year's show to build their brand and forge global partnerships," he said.

Innovation has fueled the Chinese tech market, putting China on the world stage particularly when it comes to advancements in vehicle tech, 5G, robotics and digital health, Shapiro noted.

During the Media Day ahead of the official opening of CES 2021, many companies focused on "the home" with innovation that personalizes work, health and entertainment at home, as well as advancements in transportation and mobility.

"This year, we expect a strong presence of AI, 5G, vehicle tech, smart cities and of course, digital health (at the show)," Shapiro told Xinhua.

Impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic which hit hard the United States, organizer shifted CES 2021 online, offering an engaging platform for companies worldwide large and small to launch products, build brands and form partnerships.

"CES 2021 will bring together the entire global tech community, despite these challenging times," Shapiro said.

Uniquely designed for CES 2021, the organizer is delivering a digitally connected experience for each participant, with content created by exhibitors.

Photo taken on Jan. 7, 2019 shows Hisense's exhibition booth of 8K television at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas, the United States. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling)

It has created a new attendee directory, along with exhibitor directory, to help participants connect, chat online and hold meetings.

Attendees can identify the topics and technologies they are interested in, interact with exhibitors via chat and view product demos and thought leadership sessions - all based on personal interests, according to Shapiro.

"The events industry has had to innovate throughout this pandemic, shift business models and adapt to our new circumstances," he said.

"The digital CES 2021 is not meant to replace or recreate an in-person trade show. In-person events will always remain key to furthering business and economic growth around the world, which is why CES has continued to flourish for more than 50 years," Shapiro told Xinhua.

"We look forward to returning to our home, Las Vegas, in 2022 and beyond," he added.

For more than 50 years, CES has been the global stage for innovation.

The first CES kicked off in 1967, with 250 exhibitors and 17,500 attendees in New York City. Since then, CES has grown by more than 10-fold and now encompasses both traditional and non-traditional tech industries. ■