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TRENCHLESS ASIA 2004 PROVES OUTSTANDING SUCCESS AT MAINLAND CHINA DEBUT
TRENCHLESS ASIA 2004, the third in a series of specialised exhibitions focussing on trenchless technology to be held in the Asean region, made its debut in mainland China at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, 20-22 April.
With the continuous need to maintain and repair ageing water, sewer and gas pipelines, as well as to install new services in expanding conurbations, the non-disruptive techniques achieved through trenchless methods are becoming widely accepted as the preferred choice of many city engineers around the world who need to consider the adverse affects caused by conventional trenching methods in already congested streets.
TRENCHLESS ASIA 2004 provided a timely focus for this modern technology in
China and the centrally located Shanghai Exhibition Centre provided a magnificent
venue for the impressive range of equipment and services that were displayed
by 96 companies from 13 countries. Exhibitors showcased a host of technology
used in the installation, repair and refurbishment of urban utility pipelines.
Visitors to the show had the added benefit of being able to see working demonstrations
of equipment displayed on the adjacent outdoor exhibition area.
TRENCHLESS ASIA 2004 was officially opened by Mr Hong Hao, Deputy Secretary General of the Municipal Government of Shanghai. Welcome messages were also provided by Dr Dec Downey, representing the International Society for Trenchless Technology (ISTT) and Mr Sheng Daojun, Chairman of China Shanghai Society for Trenchless Technology (CSSTT). High ranking dignitaries from Shanghai’s municipal gas, water, telecoms and highway departments were in attendance, in addition to senior representatives of the Australasian, German, Guangdong, Hong Kong and United Kingdom Societies for Trenchless Technology. The opening ceremony was held in bright sunshine within the impressive surroundings of the Fountain Square and was staged in grand traditional Chinese style, complete with a Dragon Dance.
The three day exhibition was complemented by an international conference featuring
presentations on a range of trenchless techniques and case studies. The opening
Keynote presentation was made by Mr Gong Jie Hua, Deputy Chairman of the CSSTT.
Mr Gong’s presentation highlighted the increasing use of trenchless technology
in Chinese cities, due to the significant predicted expansion of new utility
services, as well as the need for refurbishing ageing pipelines.
Dr Samuel Ariaratnam of USA’s Arizona State University’s Keynote presentation
provided a report on the latest research and development of trenchless techniques
in USA and around the world.
The Conference presentations were held on the first two days of the event, followed by a site visit programme featuring horizontal directional drilling and re-lining projects in full swing.
The ‘TRENCHLESS’ series of events are organised by UK based NO-DIG Conferences & Exhibitions Ltd. At the close of the event, managing director, Richard West, commented, “I am gratified by the extremely positive reaction we have received from exhibitors, many of whom have reported that they estimate high levels of business will come as a direct result of their participation. The specialisation of this event means that we are aiming at a very focused market. We recorded an attendance of nearly 2,000 visitors, 85% of which came from mainland China, with the remaining 15% from the Asia Pacific region and further afield. I also wish to recognise the invaluable assistance of our Shanghai based partner company, Shanghai Technology Convention & Exhibition Co Ltd who did a great job with the logistical arrangements.”
The organisers have announced that TRENCHLESS ASIA will return to Shanghai in 2006.
TRENCHLESS ASIA 2004 was organised in association with the China Shanghai Society
for Trenchless Technology (CSSTT) and the International Society for Trenchless
Technology (ISTT).
Copies of the CD featuring the Conference papers can be obtained from the organisers,
listed below.
No-Dig Conferences & Exhibitions Ltd was responsible for staging the very
first No-Dig Show the UK in 1985. The next in their global series is NO-DIG
LIVE 2004 to be held in UK, 28-30 September 2004. There are plans for a further
TRENCHLESS MIDDLE EAST in 2005 before TRENCHLESS ASIA 2006, Shanghai.
More information:
No-Dig Conferences & Exhibitions Ltd (A Westrade Group Ltd Company),
PO Box 574,
Rickmansworth,
Herts,
WD3 7XG, UK.
Tel: +44 1923 778311
Fax: +44 1923 777810
E-Mail:
s
Website: www.westrade.co.uk
Shanghai Office: Shanghai Technology Convention & Exhibition Co Ltd, B1,
25F, 212 JiangNing Road
Shanghai 2000041, China. Tel: +86 21 5289 5151. Fax: +86 21 5289 5263. E-mail:
stcec@stcec.com
Ends 17 May 2004