Shanxi province, which is seen as a cradle of Chinese civilization with a 5000-year history, nonetheless has had some success in modern business and has taken its Brands Tour to Shanghai and got off to a good start, on Oct 18, with 457,000 yuan ($75,000) worth of sales and 72.6 million yuan in contracts on the first day alone.

More than 70 Shanxi enterprise brands took part in the exhibition, with at least 2,000 products on display, including mature its famous vinegar, dates, walnuts, beef, Fen Wine and other specialties. This time around, its delegation held a collective exhibition of brands, including some time-honored national names and local brands, more than at previous events.

A Shanxi Commerce Dep't spokesman said that a lot of preparation went into preparing for the activity, using various ways to promote its products and increase its exposure in Shanghai and even across the whole country beforehand.

Employees of some of Shanxi's famous brand companies say they think Shanxi's business lags behind business in the south in brand building and promoting and marketing, which has a negative impact on sales. This brand tour, however, is a good opportunity to project its image and parade its stuff and open the door wider to outside markets.

Edited by Roger Bradshaw