The Hindu : Front Page : China scripts a successful toy story

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 22, 2007
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China scripts a successful toy story

Jonathan Watts

SHANGHAI: The appearance of a 2-metre, cross-eyed sea organism and a portly pink starfish would not normally be reassuring to the manufacturing moguls of China Inc. But, after the biggest product safety scandal in 20 years, even the presence of SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star at this week’s Shanghai Toy Expo represents a vote of confidence in an industry that has launched a fierce fightback for its reputation.

The characters joined Mickey Mouse, the Teletubbies and Thomas the Tank Engine in a Toyland turnout at the international trade fair that left little doubt that China remains unchallenged as the workshop of the world.

At the first mainland exhibition since the world’s biggest toy firm Mattel recalled 21m potentially hazardous items, buyers and exhibitors said more children than ever are likely to get Christmas presents produced in Guangdong province in December.

China makes 60% of the world’s toys, and is an increasingly important market. At the mainland’s biggest toy show, its dominance was evident in a record 400-plus exhibitors and more than 3,000 registered buyers.

It is a long way from the worst fears in August, when the world’s biggest toy firm, Mattel pulled items including Batman, Barbie, Polly Pocket and Doggie Daycare products from the shelves because some toys contained lead paint or magnets that could be swallowed by children.— © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2007

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