SHENZHEN: A three-day comprehensive logistics fair, the first to be themed on supply chain management on the mainland, opened in this South China city yesterday.

The China International Logistics and Supply Chain Management Fair (Shenzhen) has on display every link along the supply chain: logistics equipment and technology, service, park, professionals, recycled logistics, logistics finance and government (enterprise) procurement.

About 200 domestic and international companies are taking part in the fair that is spread over more than 10,000 square meters, which over 50,000 professional audiences are expected to visit.

Big global brands, such as Ryder of the US, Maersk of Denmark, CN (Canadian National) Worldwide, Jade Cargo International and "K" Line's Total Logistics, have added to the value and vitality of the fair.

Companies such as Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Shenzhen Development Bank and China Telecom are part of the financial and information sectors at the fair.

The companies that complete the big names at the fair include the six logistics parks in Shenzhen, South Korean and Hong Kong enterprise groups, Yantian Port, COSCO Logistics and Eternal Asia Supply China Management Co.

Contrary to established norms, the displays are not the only highlight of the fair because forums and symposiums will play an equally vital role. A series of high-profile and cooperative forums will help participants share new ideas and experiences.

Officials of Customs, Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine, Local Taxation Bureau, Bonded Zone Administration and Shenzhen Industrial and Commercial Bureau and the director of Shenzhen WTO Affairs Centre held a forum yesterday morning to discuss new trends in the sector, elaborating and giving guidelines on relevant policies.

"The forums will help enterprises understand government policies and advise them to follow them to gain rapid development at the policy platform," Shenzhen Communications Bureau Deputy Director of Huang Min said.

Five more forums are scheduled at the fair - on supply chain management solutions, logistics, trading enterprises and financing arrangement, logistics technology development, Sino-foreign logistics cooperation and Sino-US offshore logistics cooperation.

The next fair will reportedly be held in July next year, and some German enterprises, including Port of Hamburg, and MaxiLog of Russia have already booked their stalls. Many foreign associations, such as those from the Netherlands and Denmark, too, have booked booths for their enterprises.