The 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, commenced on October 15 in Guangzhou. Spanning three phases from October 15 to November 4, the event features participation from over 3,000 enterprises and showcases an impressive array of 1.15 million new products, underscoring China’s ongoing strength in foreign trade while attracting global buyers eager to explore new opportunities.
Chu Shijia, the Secretary General of the Canton Fair and Director General of the China Foreign Trade Centre, commented on the significance of the event, stating, “The Canton Fair, celebrated as ‘China’s No. 1 Fair,’ has once again arrived as scheduled. It continues to serve as a ‘bond of friendship’ and a ‘bridge for trade’ for enterprises both in China and abroad.”
This year’s Canton Fair introduces a number of innovative initiatives designed to enhance the experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.
One of the key developments is the fair’s commitment to digital transformation. The Canton Fair aims to blend online and onsite experiences, working towards establishing an all-year-round platform for trade. The latest session debuts a virtual digital assistant and a new Canton Fair app to facilitate online attendance. Approximately 48,000 enterprises have uploaded around 3.75 million products to the online platform, setting a new standard for digital engagement in trade fairs.
Additionally, the Canton Fair highlights new productive forces with themes such as “Advanced Manufacturing,” “Quality Home Life,” and “Better Life.” Each phase will showcase around 400 New Collection events, featuring groundbreaking innovations including humanoid robots, smart devices, and autonomous driving technologies, all making their debut at this session.
In a notable step towards sustainability, the Canton Fair has also embraced green initiatives by introducing a hydrogen energy theme for the first time in its New Energy Resources exhibition section. A dedicated zone for energy storage products has been established, reflecting the fair’s commitment to 100% green exhibition setups. The Canton Fair aims to display a wider array of green and low-carbon products, working towards complete carbon neutrality and aspiring to establish itself as a ‘zero-carbon’ event.
Furthermore, the fair will continue to host the International Pavilion across all three phases, aimed at helping international companies explore both Chinese and global markets. This segment will cover an area of 30,000 square metres and is expected to attract 730 enterprises from 49 countries and regions, enhancing the fair’s international appeal.
The Canton Fair is not only a platform for showcasing products but also plays a critical role in facilitating trade relationships between China and the rest of the world. As businesses seek new avenues for growth amid changing economic landscapes, the Canton Fair stands out as a pivotal venue for international trade discussions and collaborations. With its array of innovative offerings and a renewed focus on sustainability, the 136th Canton Fair is set to further solidify its reputation as a leading global trade event.For more information about the ongoing first phase, themed “Advanced Manufacturing,” please visit https://www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
