Guangdong exporters score sales from soccer

The 2014 FIFA World Cup, set to start June 12 in Brazil, will be a bonanza not only to soccer fans but also to manufacturers in Guangdong province.

Foshan Shunde Cold Magic Air-Conditioning Equipment Co Ltd has shipped 20 central air-conditioning units and mobile air-conditioners valued at 5 million yuan ($802,000) to be used at large temporary venues and press rooms, said Chairman Xiao Jiaxiang.

Yingli Solar helping light up FIFA venues

Bracing business opportunities

Brazil World Cup-related orders for metal key chains contributed about 27.5 percent to Zhongshan Riying Gifts & Premium Manufacturing Co's total revenue of $6.8 million last year, said Lin Wenjie, a business manager of the company. The revenue represented a 13.3 percent rise over 2012, he said.

"The growth in European and US markets has been very slow over the past few years, with some regions even posting negative growth," he said. "But emerging markets such as South America enjoy relatively larger room for growth. The demand from the World Cup has created opportunities for domestic exporting companies."

Prior to World Cup orders, Zhongshan Riying had been selling to Brazil, occupying 22 percent of the market in the country, he said.

Dongguan Wagon Giftware Co, which is authorized to supply hardware, ceramics and plastic gifts, as well as stationery and accessories, saw its products for the World Cup start to be sold at the end of last year, said a manager who identified himself as Sean.

Shantou Yuxin Science Toys Industrial Co Ltd received an order last year to supply handheld football games for an authorized Brazilian company, which will be sold in Brazil and Germany, said Wang Qiuying of the sales department.