Canton Fair highlights diverse trade promotion activities

The current 136th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has launched a number of trade forums and new product launches to enhance trade links between domestic and foreign businesses.

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, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, typically featuring three phases per session. The third phase of this fair opened on Thursday and will run through Nov. 4.

During a trade forum for food and agricultural products held in the fair's third phase, over 170 representatives from government, trade associations, supermarket chains, and import-export firms convened to discuss strategies for integrating domestic and international trade across various sectors.

Cao Derong, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products, spoke highly of the event in promoting the integration of global supply and industrial chains.

"Uniting stakeholders allows us to address the challenges in the supply and industrial chains. This platform provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to connect, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, and ultimately facilitating smoother domestic and international circulations," he said.

This phase of the fair also features a variety of activities, including industry-themed product launches, trend forums, procurement information exchanges, and promotional events for imported goods, which have successfully resulted in numerous cooperation agreements, helping domestic companies reach global markets.

"We've gained insights into the latest industry trends and engaged with international promotional efforts here. The direct communication with global buyers accelerates our business growth and enhances the competitiveness of our industry," said exhibitor Lin Meixiang.

As of Friday, the Canton Fair had hosted a total of 826 trade promotion activities, showcasing its commitment to fostering international trade. "Through the Canton Fair, we can observe the innovation and development of various industries while creating a trade link between domestic and foreign enterprises, building a bridge for shared success," said Han Caibo, senior manager of International Affairs at the China Foreign Trade Center.

Canton Fair highlights diverse trade promotion activities

The 136th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, is championing rural revitalization by helping enterprises from once-impoverished areas expand their footprint into overseas markets.

Since the third phase of the event opened in south China's Guangzhou on Thursday, the exhibition booths of products for rural revitalization in 19 categories have attracted many international buyers.

The products, ranging from gourmet foods to sporting and leisure goods, were brought by 212 enterprises from areas that have been lifted from poverty in recent years. "We brought our ecological tea products here and have reached cooperation intentions with some European traders. We hope the Canton Fair can help our featured rural industries to expand into the overseas market," said Liu Xiaobei, an exhibitor.

The Canton Fair has also reduced more than 18 million yuan (around 2.53 million U.S. dollars) of fees the enterprises' exhibition booths, while providing them with free translation and business guidance services.

Launched in 1957 and held twice yearly, the Canton Fair is considered a major gauge of China's foreign trade.

The third phase of the 136th edition runs through Nov 4.

Canton Fair boosts rural revitalization efforts