The 136th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, officially kicked off on October 15 in Guangzhou, running through November 4. The event, which spans three phases, boasts participation from over 3,000 enterprises and showcases an impressive 1.15 million new products, underscoring China’s growing strengths in foreign trade and attracting global buyers to explore fresh opportunities.
Innovative Initiatives at the 136th Canton Fair
This year, the Canton Fair introduces several innovative initiatives that enhance its impact and boost participation from international and local enterprises alike. Chu Shijia, Secretary General of the Canton Fair and Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, noted, “The Canton Fair, celebrated as ‘China’s No. 1 Fair,’ continues to serve as a bond of friendship and a bridge for trade between China and the world.”
1. Digital Transformation for Enhanced Engagement
The Canton Fair remains committed to integrating both online and onsite experiences, creating an all-year-round fair. The fair’s online platform debuts a virtual digital assistant and a newly developed Canton Fair app to facilitate seamless online participation. This year, approximately 48,000 enterprises have uploaded around 3.75 million products to the platform, setting a new standard for digital engagement.
2. Embracing New Productive Forces and Technologies
This year’s Canton Fair highlights cutting-edge technologies, with phases dedicated to “Advanced Manufacturing,” “Quality Home Life,” and “Better Life.” Around 400 Canton Fair New Collection events are set to take place, featuring debut innovations like humanoid robots, smart devices, and autonomous driving technologies, emphasizing the fair’s role in promoting new productive forces in various industries.
3. Green Exhibition and Sustainability
For the first time, the Canton Fair introduces a hydrogen energy theme within the New Energy Resources section, along with a dedicated zone for energy storage products. The fair is committed to 100% green exhibition setups and actively promotes green and low-carbon products, aiming to make the event a “zero-carbon” affair, setting a precedent for sustainability in global trade fairs.
International Pavilion and Global Trade Collaboration
The Canton Fair’s International Pavilion will continue to run across all three phases, covering 30,000 square meters and helping international companies explore opportunities in both Chinese and global markets. The segment will attract 730 enterprises from 49 countries and regions, further boosting the fair’s international appeal.
With its rich offerings and strong emphasis on innovation, the 136th Canton Fair is set to strengthen global trade collaboration and help businesses capitalize on new market opportunities.
