AHEC Launches New Show Apartment In China

AHEC launches new show apartment in China with design excellence using US hardwoods

Shanghai, July 12, 2005 - The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) announced today the launch of a top-quality show apartment in China to demonstrate the quality and diversity of US hardwoods applications for interior decoration and fittings. This is the second show home project launched by AHEC in China since October 2003.

Located at Shanghai's landmark Xintiandi area, the 462-square-meter, 360-degree-view apartment inside the luxury condominium development, Richgate, was a joint effort with Shanghai Anderson Fuxing Land Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Real Estate.

"We are very pleased to launch the second show home project in China, which is another vivid demonstration of how US hardwoods can be utilized to achieve a uniquely tasteful interior and lifestyle sought after by the wide range of successful people living in Shanghai," said Michael Snow, Executive Director of AHEC. " China's rapid economic growth and new housing privatization initiatives have created a new generation of increasingly affluent consumers who are eager to outfit their homes with quality interior decorations like US hardwoods. The completion of this signature show apartment in China is a testimony of our continued commitment to this important market."

Statistics show that in 2004, the value of US hardwood products imported to mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan reached RMB3.6 billion (approximately US$500 million), representing a growth of 29.2% percent from 2003. Driven by strong market demand, China has been the world's leading US hardwoods importing country for three subsequent years.

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