The 136th Canton Fair stands as a vivid testament to China’s growing confidence in its economy and its pivotal role in fostering a global green economy. Thousands of foreign buyers and Chinese sellers have converged at China’s largest trade exhibition, drawn by the innovative technologies and cutting-edge green products on display.
This year’s fair has expanded its exhibition space, reflecting the deepening trade relationships and positioning China as a key growth market. Remarkably, nearly 4,600 exhibitors are participating for the first time, eager to showcase their offerings to a global audience.
The Canton Fair serves as a dynamic platform for those seeking to source products from China and discover the latest industry trends. It provides an invaluable opportunity for businesses worldwide to identify emerging consumer patterns and gather ideas to propel their ventures forward. The bustling exhibition halls are filled with companies keen to expand their footprints and seize new opportunities in China.
Since its inception in 1957, the Canton Fair has been held twice a year, growing from strength to strength in its modern form. Guangzhou, the host city, has long been a global trade hub with a rich history as a key trading center stretching back hundreds of years. The city became synonymous with China in European minds when Europeans initiated their trade with China through the Pearl River Delta. Today, the Canton Fair continues this storied tradition, bridging international commerce.
Even before European contact, Guangzhou played a pivotal role in the maritime Silk Road network, facilitating trade between China, the rest of Asia, and the Roman Empire, where emperors famously adorned themselves in Chinese silk.
The primary objective of the fair is to serve as a convenient contact point for companies looking to expand trade with China and to help them find Chinese business partners and suppliers. For Chinese exhibitors, it presents an opportunity to reach new buyers and establish partnerships. Spanning around 1.55 million square meters and hosting 74,000 booths, the fair focuses on advanced manufacturing, interior decoration, and lifestyle improvements.
For many foreign companies, China represents their largest trading partner and, for several, it is already the primary source of profits. A unique feature this year is the significant increase in online participation, with approximately 48,000 businesses participating virtually—a 60 percent increase from the previous fair held in April. Despite the rise in online engagement, the fair’s physical exhibition remains crowded, underscoring China’s vital role in the economic prosperity of foreign companies.
In a sign of China’s success in engaging with the Global South, more than 75 percent of buyers are from partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. This international participation highlights China’s expanding influence and commitment to fostering global trade relationships.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
