The China Container Industry Association (CCIA) and Informa Exhibitions have partnered to launch Intermodal Asia 2014 in April.

"The partnership between Informa and the CCIA, supported by CIMC (China International Marine Containers), ensures that Intermodal Asia will be an industry-led event," says Intermodal Asia event director Sophie Ahmed. "In this way, it will be both an international and a regional event, delivering both local and international exhibitors and visitors."

Ahmed adds that the event was established in response to demand "from a lot of people for a number of years" and that the organisers were happy to hold the event to open up opportunities for exhibitors and visitors.

"Prospective exhibitors and visitors in the shipping industry have indicated that Intermodal Asia is a necessity for the region," Ahmed explains. "The Intermodal Europe event is well-known, established and respected throughout the industry, and Intermodal Asia will leverage this strong industry support and be a focal point for those interested in the Asian container supply chain."

CCIA members include CIMC, Singamas, CXIC and many more of the world's largest container manufacturing and suppliers of material and components companies. The association is influential within the container industry and receives backing from the Chinese government.

"As the exclusive partner of Intermodal Asia, we are delighted to be so heavily involved in the launch of this leading industry event," says CCIA's Mai Bo Liang. "The full support of our membership and other industry contacts will ensure the event's success."

The partnership also benefits from the backing of the world's largest container manufacturer, CIMC, which will be the show's lead sponsor. Since 1996, CIMC container output and sales have been maintaining a leading position in the world. In 2007, it became the world's first container manufacturer with an annual output that broke 2 million TEUs.

Taking place from 1-3 April 2014 at the Shanghai World Expo Centre, Intermodal Asia will feature a free-to-attend exhibition alongside a conference, with sessions held in both Mandarin and English.

Intermodal Asia will be the sister event to the successful Intermodal Europe, which has established itself as a must-attend industry event since it was launched 37 years ago.

Informa claims to be the world's largest event organiser, with offices in over 35 countries. The company owns the Intermodal Europe event as well as a number of well-regarded industry publications, including Containerisation International and Lloyd's List.

China Container Industry Association is located in Beijing and was established in 1993 with approval from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People's Republic of China.