The 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is seeking domestic and overseas concessionaires for key retail and franchise categories.

The 2010 Shanghai World Expo has opened a 3-day trade fair to attract distributors for its licensed goods. Event organizers say, the first day of the fair is mainly targeting overseas buyers. So far, 30 foreign retailers have signed up for the event. Some of them see Expo souvenirs as the perfect gifts for clients.

Sasaki Haruhiko, Rep. for Shanghai Office, Nishi-Nippon City Bank, said, "Lots of Japanese tourists are traveling in Kyushu every year. We hope the popularity of World Expo could also boost the local tourism business."

Xin Juehui, Director of Sales Management, Bureau of SH World Expo Coordination, said, "Our licensed goods sales have already exceeded 8 billion yuan so far. We hope the number could reach 20 billion yuan eventually."

For the next 2 days of the fair, event organizers will hold special procurement meetings specifically designed for supermarket, hotel and shopping mall operators.

The Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination has already set up a long-term licensed goods exhibition center at ShanghaiMart, one of Asia's largest International Trade Centers.