The 138th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou on October 15 and will run until November 4, organized in three distinct phases. This edition maintains a 24-hour online platform to facilitate continuous access for global buyers to Chinese suppliers. With an exhibition area of 1.55 million square meters, the fair includes a record 74,600 booths and over 32,000 participating enterprises, underscoring its role in China’s foreign trade ecosystem.
Emphasis on High-Tech and Specialized Enterprises
This session marks a significant shift towards innovation, with more than 10,000 exhibitors recognized as National High-Tech Enterprise, Specialized and Sophisticated SME, or Manufacturing Single Champion firms, representing 34% of all exporters. New zones such as the Intelligent Healthcare Zone in Phase 3 and the returning Service Robots Zone in Phase 1 will showcase advancements in areas like surgical robots and humanoid robots, highlighting China’s push in smart manufacturing and technology sectors.
Showcasing Innovation and Intellectual Property
The fair will feature over one million newly developed products and 1.1 million items with independent intellectual property rights, reflecting China’s broader innovation strategies. Among the 175 exhibition sections, 18 are dedicated to smart technologies, displaying more than 350,000 intelligent products. Forums on artificial intelligence and digital trade will provide insights into enterprise transformation, aligning with national policies to upgrade industries through digital means.
Commitment to Green and Sustainable Development
Sustainability is a key focus, with the New Energy Resources section highlighting hydrogen energy technologies and optimized energy storage solutions. Over 1.08 million low-carbon products will be exhibited, supporting China’s goals in green development and reducing carbon emissions. This emphasis on eco-friendly offerings aims to attract international buyers interested in sustainable supply chains.
Technological Enhancements for Improved Experience
Attendee experience is enhanced through technological integrations, including booth-level real-time navigation using Bluetooth, the BeiDou navigation system, and 5G technologies. The upgraded Canton Fair App incorporates AI tools for personalized recommendations and smart buyer-supplier matching, facilitating a more efficient global trade environment. These digital improvements underscore the fair’s adaptation to evolving market demands and China’s leadership in tech-driven commerce.
