For the first time an Israeli business delegation will this week take part at the 2009 China International Auto Parts Expo, the largest car exhibition in southeast Asia and meet with leading manufacturers.

The Israeli trade mission comprised of nine Israeli automobile manufacturers is organized by the Israel Export Instititute and the international advisory agency APCO as a fundamental part of the "Shavit" China program. Among the participating companies in the trade mission are Infantastic and Valve Guard.

For the past half a year, global sales of Chinese automobiles have topped the automobile market. Having outpaced the US and Japan as the number one global car market Chinese companies aim to become leaders not only in price but also in quality and technology.

The delegation will focus on creating business opportunities for Israeli companies as well as establishing an understanding of the Chinese automobile market. APCO's team will set-up one-on-one meetings with 10 qualified Chinese companies for each participating Israeli company and will arrange for 4 high level anchor meetings for the delegation as a whole. Among the companies meeting with the Israeli trade mission are Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, FAW Group Corporation, and Dongfend Motor Corporation

As part of the preparations of the mission, each company's profile will be translated into Chinese, and will be integrated into the delegation's "Companies Catalogue" that will be produced. Following the delegation to China each company will be provided with a follow-up report and recommendations.

The Israel Export Institute plans on extending this business trip, and will organize together with the Israeli Trade Mission to South Korea meetings with relevant automotive companies in South Korea, among them Hyundai Motors.

The China International Exhibition Center in Beijing taking place from September 24 to 26, 2009 is organized by the Ministry of Commerce. The annual China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) was first held in 2007. Co-organizers include automotive industry associations from 10 countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Korea, etc. The 2008 CIAPE hosted 1,100 exhibitors and over 50,100 visitors from 113 countries and regions, with an exhibition floor space of over 80,000 square meters. Participants included Bosch, Denso, Delphi, Magna, GM, Ford, VW, Toyota, FAW, SAIC, Dongfeng and the likes.

Exhibit categories include auto parts, auto maintenance equipment and accessories, car tuning equipment and accessories, materials and components, energy-saving, environmentally friendly and new energy technologies and products, and more.