China International Hardware Show / Practical World Asia (CIHS) is one of the most important hardware shows in the world.

China's hardware industry has been developing rapidly since China's opening up policy. In recent years, many world-renowned brands have moved their production plants to China, and thus turned China into a production base for global hardware products. And China's hardware industry has also benefited from those joint venture and economic cooperation, as the quality of China's hardware products has been greatly improved. Global hardware sourcers such as Home Depot, Lowe's and OBI have increased their purchase of Chinese hardware products.

In consideration of the important role of exhibition in the development of market economy and the fact that the hardware industry has been highly internationalized, China National Hardware Association (CNHA), China Union-metals Chamber of Commerce and CCPIT Light Industry Sub-Council began to cultivate an international hardware market in Shanghai in 2001, i.e., China International Hardware Show (CIHS), and set "Internationalization, High Level and Technology Orientation" as the main characteristics of the Show.

The internationalized show has enlarged the export of China's Hardware Product, promoted the progress of industrial technology and enhanced product quality. And the Show has gained the recognition, active support and response from the International Federation of Hardware & Housewares Associations (IHA) and its members.

Organizers of Practical World-Koeln Messe GmbH recognizes the bright prospect of CIHS, and brought Practical World Asia to CIHS in 2003. The two sides have decided to engage in long-term cooperation in the organization of China International Hardware Show/Practical World Asia.

After three-year's development, CIHS/PWA have evolved into the most important professional hardware show in China. CIHS'03 has received more than 2,800 overseas buyers and attracted a large audience of 35,000 person time. CIHS has become a major channel for China's hardware enterprises to boost their export.

With the rapid and healthy development of the Show in Shanghai, professionals and major enterprises in the industry are confident in their future prospect. According to the present development speed, by year 2006 when the 49th IHA Congress convenes, CIHS/PWA will grow into the second largest international hardware show in the world with an exhibition area of 80,000 sqm.