The CIFF InterBiz Club Global Tour made a high-profile debut in Seoul, South Korea, on November 18, 2024, embarking on a new journey to connect professionals and businesses across the global furniture & furnishing industry. Against the backdrop of China’s exciting new visa-free entry policy, which significantly lowers barriers for international visitors, the event showcased CIFF Guangzhou’s position as a premier platform for global trade and innovation.

Visa-Free Travel to China: A Game-Changer for Global Trade

Recent changes to China’s entry policy are set to transform international business and tourism. Nationals from 38 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Japan, and Australia, can now enjoy visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, exchange programs, or transit.

Here’s what you need to know:

 No pre-declaration required — just bring a valid passport (ordinary type) and recommended supporting documents like invitation letters, air tickets, or hotel bookings.

 Open to all modes of transport, including air, sea, and land.

 Covers both individual travelers and group tours.

 Multiple entries allowed, as long as each stay is within 30 days.

For South Korean citizens, the policy is even more generous: from November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, they can enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days for business, leisure, or visiting family.

This policy played a pivotal role in setting the stage for CIFF’s Seoul Roadshow, as it eliminates traditional barriers and encourages more seamless participation in events like CIFF Guangzhou 2025, further strengthening ties between Chinese and international businesses.

Strengthening China-Korea Business Ties

Held at the Gangnamgu Seoul, the CIFF Guangzhou roadshow brought together over 30 of South Korea’s top furniture & furnishing professionals, including CEOs, industry leaders, and media representatives. The event highlighted CIFF’s role as a global trade hub and emphasized the unique opportunities awaiting buyers, distributors, and manufacturers at next year’s fair.

Industry Leaders in Attendance:

 •  Rio JEONG, KFFIC Director

 •  Byunsang JOON, GaGU Guide Chairman

 •  Byungwoo KIM, Paroma General Director

 •  Daegeun BOG, Duvivier CEO

 •  Young Sub KIM, PRD Furniture President

 •  Youngmin NA, Gold Spoon CEO

 •  Taiel YOON, Dong Sung Sa Chairman

 •  Jungho JIN, SY Life CEO

……

A Platform for Global Collaboration

During the event, Mr. Ji Pengpeng, CIFF Guangzhou representative, outlined the InterBiz Club (IBC) initiative — an innovative platform offering services such as IBC Matching, IBC Media, and IBC Manager. These tools enable global buyers to connect with suppliers 365 days a year, making CIFF not just an offline trade fair but a continuous hub for sourcing and networking.

Ji also introduced the fair’s highly praised 3M Buyer Advantage, which delivers tailor-made services for international buyers, from streamlined logistics to on-site VIP assistance. Korean attendees expressed particular interest in these features, which will make their participation at CIFF Guangzhou more efficient and productive.

Praise for CIFF from Korean Industry Leaders

Korean attendees spoke highly of CIFF’s reputation as a key event for sourcing and collaboration. Mr. Byunsang JOON, Chairman of GAGU Guide, emphasized CIFF’s role in bridging Chinese manufacturers with international markets, calling it an “indispensable resource for the home furnishing industry.”

Mr. Wongen JANG, CEO of JANGWON Trade, shared his excitement:

    “Our company imports 70–80 containers of furniture per month. In the past, we had to visit individual factories to place orders, but at CIFF Guangzhou, we’ll have access to more than 4,700 suppliers under one roof. It’s the most efficient way to do business.”

Strategic Discussions with KFFIC

In addition to the roadshow event, CIFF representatives held a meeting with the leadership of the Korea Federation of Furniture Cooperative Associations (KFFIC). Director, Mr. Rio Jeong expressed his commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with CIFF Guangzhou, highlighting the shared goal of promoting innovation and growth in the home furnishing industries of both countries.

Understanding the Korean Market

The CIFF delegation also visited key retailers and distributors in South Korea to gain deeper market insights. They observed that Korean furniture stores often specialize in specific product categories, and a significant proportion of the products sold are manufactured in China. This underscores the strong trade ties between the two countries and the potential for further collaboration.

CIFF Guangzhou 2025: Your Gateway to Global Business

As CIFF’s Global Tour kicks off with success in Seoul, excitement builds for the CIFF Guangzhou 2025 fair, set to take place in two phases: March 18–21 and March 28–31 at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou. With the new visa-free travel policies and CIFF’s innovative platforms, the event promises to be a must-attend for industry leaders seeking to connect, collaborate, and innovate.

From Seoul to the world, CIFF Guangzhou continues to build bridges and create opportunities for businesses to thrive on a global scale. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this world-class event!