11,500 m2 of exhibition space, 206 exhibitors, and 18,428 visitors: these are the impressive figures from the LASER World of PHOTONICS China 2008 trade show that was organized by Messe München International and which closed its doors on March 20, 2008 after three very intensive event days. Compared to 2007, the exhibition area increased by 30%, the number of exhibitors by over 40%, and the visitors by about 100%. 

The result reflects the continually and rapidly growing demand in the Chinese market for laser applications and optical systems. Not only Chinese companies like Han's Laser, but also almost all leading German companies such as Trumpf, Rofin, Schott and Osram and many more responded to it by considerably increasing their presence at the show and their activities in China. The LASER World of PHOTONICS China has meanwhile positioned itself as the most important event for the laser and photonics market in China. Its considerable importance was highlighted by the visit by Cao Jian Lin, Vice Minister of China Science and Technology Ministry, as well as Hartmut Schauerte, Parliamentary State Secretary for the Bundesminister für Wirtschaft und Technologie [Federal Ministry for Economics and Technology]. During their visit, both emphasized the increasing importance of the German-Chinese economic partnership and that for Germany, China is by far its most important trade partner in Asia and, in turn, Germany is China's largest trade partner in Europe.
A particular highlight was Germany's gala display the "German World of Laser & Photonics," which more than lived up to Germany's leading global position in the field of optic technologies. About 60 companies, research institutions, and organizations made appearances on the communal stand and demonstrated key applications in optical technologies during special presentations. The "German World of Laser & Photonics" was organized by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie (BMWi) [Federal Ministry for Science and Technology] and the Ausstellungs- und Messe-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft e.V. (AUMA) [Association of the German Trade Fair Industry]. They were supported by the SPECTARIS trade association. Internationale Messe- und Ausstellungsdienst (IMAG) [International Trade Fair and Exhibition Service], a subsidiary of Messe München GmbH, was commissioned to put on the event.

The LASER World of PHOTONICS was accompanied by an extensive array of fringe events. Two conferences were held: the 3rd International Conference on Laser Processes and Components (LPC 2008) as well as the Optics Frontier - 2008' Laser Technology Forum, which, combined, had about 400 participants. Furthermore, the Symposium of the German World of Laser & Photonics and the INTEC Sino-German Matchmaking Event on Electronic, Optoelectronic and Laser Technology also took place. These events also enjoyed brisk attendance by the Chinese visitors.

The LASER World of PHOTONICS China was held for the first time this year under the umbrella of the Shanghai International IT & Electronics Fair, which combined a total of four trade shows to become the largest single event in the electronics industry in China. In addition to electronica & Productronica China, visitors could also visit Semicon China as well as the trade show put on by the China Printed Circuit Association (CPCA).