Dear friends in stainless steel industry,

　　The 6th Shanghai International Stainless Steel Exposition (STEXPO 2009) is about to open its curtain on Sept. 1-3, 2009 in Shanghai. Held every two years, it is by far the largest stainless steel exhibition in Asia.

　　Since its first show in April in 1999, STEXPO has experienced the growth for ten years, which is not only the fastest growing period, but also a milestone for China stainless steel industry.

　　In 2001, with the apparent consumption of 2.25 million tonnes, China became the largest stainless steel consumer in the world. In 2006, by the production of 5.3 million tonnes, China became the world's largest stainless steel producer. In 2007, China' per capita stainless steel consumption arrived at 5kg, surpassing the average level in the world. In the same year, China stainless steel output, for the first time, outstripped the consumption volume, bringing an end to its long dependence on the imports. China, therefore, has virtually evolved itself into the largest stainless steel country in the world.

　　With the basic balance of supply and demand, China stainless steel industry has stepped into a phase of steady development. The market demand arising from the industrial sector is on the upgrade. The stainless steel demand, which used to be mainly for civil sector, is now shifting into both civil and industrial sectors. New fields and new sectors are emerging in stainless steel application. Driven by such a strong demand of the domestic market, China stainless steel industry is striding forward at a healthy and steady pace.

　　Along with this development, the past 5 sessions of STEXPO have gained extensive concern and enthusiastic participation of domestic and overseas stainless steel and its related enterprises. The scale, in terms of visitors, exhibitors as well as exhibiting areas, has been increasingly growing. As the exhibiting halls failed to satisfy the need of quick expansion of exhibiting areas at the 5th STEXPO, the location of STEXPO 2009 will move into Shanghai New International Expo Center. Hereby, on behalf of China Iron & Steel Association (CISA), Metallurgical Council of CCPIT (MC-CCPIT) and Stainless Steel Council of the China Special Steel Enterprises Association (SSC-CSSEA), we sincerely invite you to attend the 6th STEXPO and we are looking forward to meeting you again in Shanghai.