Published: 15:51, April 30, 2024
Canton Fair sees jump in foreign participation
By Qiu Quanlin
Purchasers are pictured during the 135th China Import and Export Fair - widely known as the Canton Fair - in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, April 24, 2024. (PHOTO XINHUA)

The third phase of the 135th China Import and Export Fair - widely known as the Canton Fair - is scheduled to open on Wednesday in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, further building upon the significant increase of overseas buyers in the last two phases.

One of China's biggest trade events, the fair continued to show its "super flow" effects within the global business community, with visits of more than 190,000 overseas buyers in its first two phases - a year-on-year increase of 22.1 percent since its last session in October, the organizer said.

ALSO READ: Guangdong’s GDP grows 4.4% yearly in the first quarter

Of the international buyers, 120,000 were from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, with 46,000 from member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), they said.

Purchasers talk with an exhibitor during the 135th China Import and Export Fair - widely known as the Canton Fair - in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, April 15, 2024. (PHOTO XINHUA)

Chinese enterprises have paid particular attention to transforming and enhancing traditional industries by using new and green technologies in their products, with more innovative, low-carbon and high-quality products being displayed during the fair, the organizers said.

The fair is held twice a year, in spring and autumn, in Guangzhou.

READ MORE: Market access expansion to continue

The fair's third phase, themed A Better Life, focuses on showcasing five major sectors, including toys, pregnancy and baby items, fashion, household textiles, stationery and health and leisure, with the participation of 11,495 Chinese enterprises and 262 overseas exhibitors from 29 countries and regions.

Visitors select speakers during the 135th China Import and Export Fair - widely known as the Canton Fair - in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, April 15, 2024. (PHOTO XINHUA)
Purchasers learn about smart home appliances during the 135th China Import and Export Fair - widely known as the Canton Fair - in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, April 15, 2024. (PHOTO XINHUA)
Purchasers from Venezuela (right and center) talk to an exhibitor during the 135th China Import and Export Fair - widely known as the Canton Fair - in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province, April 24, 2024. (PHOTO XINHUA)
This photo taken on April 15, 2024 shows a venue in the 135th China Import and Export Fair  - widely known as the Canton Fair - in Guangzhou,  south China's Guangdong province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)