Each type of trade has pros and cons.
The most famous fairs (FHC, CFDF, SIAL, HOFEX etc.) provide a more international environment, more comforts, a high concentration of public (as well as competitors) and -for those who have already started doing business in the market- they can be useful in terms of image promotion. On the other hand, the participation fees are high, the individual visibility negligible unless significant investments on the stand size are made, the competition with fellow countrymen fierce, and they offer opportunities in markets which are very often close to saturation.

Local fairs offer a totally different environment. They are held in cities which are almost unknown abroad (although comparable to the European capitals in terms of population), they are less attractive to the eyes of western people and for sure they lack many of the comforts and services that many managers are accustomed to. However they provide participants with a higher visibility due to a limited presence of foreign exhibitors, they allow access to markets off the beaten track of the competition, and Chinese operators - although in smaller numbers - are always much more receptive.

So which one is best?