President Xi to meet Slovak PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Friday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Fico arrived in Beijing on Thursday for an official visit to China from Oct 31 to Nov 5 at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovakia.

Global buyers have shown keen interest in seeking out China's EV products and technology at the 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair.

The Canton Fair has been underway in south China's Guangzhou since mid-October, attracting nearly 200,000 overseas buyers from 212 countries and regions in the first two phases that concluded on Oct 27.

Among the wide range of exhibits, new energy technology and smart travel solutions have garnered lots of attention.

"Besides the newest designs, China also has been innovating in the electrical vehicle [sector]. I think China is ahead when talking about innovation and technology. So, all the world now is looking to China for development and follow the trends that China has been setting," Brazilian purchaser Daniela Sena told China Global Television Network (CGTN).

The new energy exhibition area has emerged as a key focus at the first phase of the Canton Fair, drawing a large crowd of visitors eager to explore the latest EV products.

"In terms of technology, solar and all the rest, every country is coming to China to learn, because China is now above every other European country in terms of energy and solar. And their prices are cheaper than the western world," said Baron Onuakalusi, founder and director of China-based clothing company Obaron International Resources Limited, who also shows a keen interest in the EV sector.

Despite strong opposition from several member states, the European Commission has finalized its decision to levy tariffs on EVs imported from China, a move criticized as protectionist and harmful to European consumers.

"Eventually, [it's] the customer who basically pays for the tariff, so all the taxes are taken by the community," said Polish buyer Mikolaj Czausow.

Launched in 1957, the biannual Canton Fair is China's largest trade fair and widely seen as a barometer of the country's foreign trade. It takes place every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, typically featuring three phases per session. The third phase of the 136th Canton Fair kicked off on Thursday and runs for five days.