China Direct Trading Corp., Lectra, Orient International to Sponsor Apparel's China Symposium and Sourcing Fair

COLUMBIA, SC - June 18, 2004 - China Direct Trading Corp., Lectra and Orient International Holding Company Ltd. have signed on as the first major sponsors of Apparel magazine's China Symposium and Sourcing Fair, set to debut September 13-16 in Shanghai, China.

The event is designed to help apparel executives optimize their opportunities in the exponentially growing China textile and apparel industry, particularly in light of quota expiration in 2005 as well as a changing retail landscape.

Addressing Lectra's role as a partner to its customers working in or entering China, Tim Copeland, director of marketing, North America, said: "As the No. 1 technology and services provider to the soft goods industry, one of our key strategic priorities is to bolster our leadership position in China to meet the surging demand for technology. While many Lectra customers have global outsourcing strategies that include China, many apparel companies may not have the current know-how or expertise to begin. Helping companies compete in the global environment through networking, transnational sales and service is the value-add of Lectra."

Copeland continued: "We decided to partner with Apparel magazine because it fits perfectly with our strategy. In 2003, we accelerated our efforts for transnational sales, particularly with China. We conducted an industry seminar, "Climbing the Great Wall of Globalization," an inside look at how to do business in China. . Phase two of our initiative involves taking companies to China to visit local manufacturing operations and to meet with sourcing companies. Apparel's China Symposium and Sourcing Fair adds additional value for our visitors."

China Direct Trading Corp., a global trader of products to and from Asia, joins the event on the heels of announcing that it has launched a division that will source apparel and textiles from China. It has created a joint venture with Tower Associates LLC, which has developed expertise in the international sewn products industries, apparel manufacturing and trade with China. The business will concentrate on sourcing as well as creating joint ventures with U.S. and Chinese apparel manufacturers and retailers.

"We will officially launch our initiative as a sponsor at the first annual Apparel Symposium and Sourcing Fair - a pioneering event on sourcing and selling in post-quota China," said Howard Ullman, CEO, president and chairman of the board of China Direct Trading Corp. China Direct is already working with several clients, including a major U.S. textile producer seeking production initiatives with China-based sources.

Orient International Holding Company Ltd., based in Shanghai, is one of the largest import and export enterprises in China, having imported and exported more than 5,000 types of products. It represents China's second experimental unit of comprehensive business establishments, with a scope that ranges from foreign trade to financing to logistics support.

A multinational trade and service group, Orient International has its roots in textile and clothing products, and has now expanded into light industrial products, machinery and electrical products and more. The company has registered nearly 100 trademarks outside of China, as well as numerous export trademarks within China.

Apparel's China Symposium and Sourcing Fair will have high-level market information and networking at its core. Attendees will benefit from in-depth industry knowledge from leading experts, and personal connections with potential partners relative to the sourcing of both raw materials and apparel, as well as licensing and retailing opportunities.

The Symposium program will include a full day of insightful, practical market information - six sessions in total - on subjects ranging from "The State of China's Apparel Industry" to "China's Retail Future." It also will include private meetings with potential sourcing partners, facilitated by a pre-arranged information exchange; admission to the two-day Sourcing Fair; and complimentary tours of area apparel and textile facilities.

Registration for Apparel's China Symposium and Souring Fair is $1,500 and includes all Symposium sessions, followed by a networking reception and dinner; facilitation of private, pre-arranged meetings with potential partners; two days' admittance to the Sourcing Fair; a day of optional tours; and some meals. Additional attendees from the same company may register for $1,000. Admission to the Sourcing Fair only is $75. To register, visit apparelmag.com/china. For sponsorship information, email [email protected] or [email protected].

Apparel's China Symposium and Sourcing Fair is jointly produced with VNU Exhibitions Asia, Shanghai, China.

About Apparel
Apparel magazine is the leading b-to-b publication for apparel industry executives, with a focus on technology, new products, business strategy, retail and more. It also produces the apparelmag.com web site, the Apparel Executive Forum, Apparel's Tech Conference and All-Star Awards and Apparel's Executive Roundtables.

About VNU Exhibitions Asia
As a subsidiary of VNU Business Media, VNU Exhibitions Asia is one of the leading exhibition companies in China and has an extensive network within the Chinese market. VNU Exhibitions Asia, with offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou, organizes approximately 20 trade shows and consumer events as well as conferences and seminars annually.

About VNU Business Media
VNU Business Publications is a division of VNU Business Media which maintains a leading position in the business-to-business arena by providing clients with innovative and actionable business intelligence, products, and tools via a wide range of delivery channels and methodologies including business-to-business publications, trade shows, electronic applications, database marketing tools, and media intelligence.

About VNU Business Publications USA
VNU Business Publications USA is a part of VNU Business Media. VNU Business Publications USA publishes 52 b-to-b titles in the entertainment, media, marketing, fast-moving consumer goods, retail, merchandising, performance, travel and design industries. Its portfolio includes Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Adweek, National Jeweler, Progressive Grocer and Successful Meetings.

About VNU
VNU is a global information and media company with leading market positions and recognized brands in marketing information (ACNielsen), media measurement and information (Nielsen Media Research), business information (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Computing, Intermediair) and directory publishing (Golden Pages). VNU is active in more than 100 countries, with headquarters in Haarlem, The Netherlands and New York, USA. The company employs 38,000 people. Total revenues amounted to EUR 3.9 billion in 2003. VNU is listed on theEuronext Amsterdam (ASE: VNU) stock exchange. For more information, please visit the VNU website at www.vnu.com.