The Canton Fair, a cornerstone of China’s foreign trade promotion, hosted a successful sourcing trip to Dongguan’s Dalang and Songshan Lake Foreign Trade Transformation and Upgrading Base from December 19 to 20, 2024. With participation from 24 leading multinational purchasing enterprises and over 70 Dongguan manufacturing companies, the event generated total intended purchase orders worth USD 62 million.
Dongguan: A Global Manufacturing Powerhouse
Renowned for its robust industrial base, comprehensive supply chain, and efficient logistics, Dongguan plays a pivotal role in global trade. The city’s Dalang area, dubbed the “Wool Capital of the World,” is a hub for textile manufacturing, while Songshan Lake is a thriving high-tech zone specializing in electronic information and digital economy industries. These strategic advantages positioned Dongguan as the perfect venue for the sourcing trip.
A Strategic Collaboration for Trade Development
The event was a collaborative effort between the Canton Fair, the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, and the Bureau of Commerce of Dongguan City. It featured key players from countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
The two-day initiative included factory visits, on-site promotional events, and negotiation sessions, offering participating companies an opportunity to showcase their capabilities and connect directly with global buyers. A dedicated product exhibition zone featuring over 300 samples of household appliances and clothing/bags/suitcases provided further insight into the innovative offerings of Dongguan’s manufacturers.
Driving High-Quality Foreign Trade Development
As part of its broader mission to enhance global trade connections, the Canton Fair hosted over 700 “Trade Bridge” events in 2024, providing platforms for face-to-face interaction. These events enable companies to highlight their strengths, gain market insights, and adapt their strategies to meet customer needs effectively.
Zhang Sihong, Deputy Secretary-General of the Canton Fair and Deputy Director of the China Foreign Trade Centre, emphasized the importance of these initiatives:
“The Canton Fair is a vital platform for China’s opening up and for fostering Sino-foreign economic and trade cooperation. In 2025, we will continue to organize demand-oriented foreign trade events across the country, addressing key topics to build even stronger trade connections.”
Looking Ahead: The 137th Canton Fair in 2025
Building on the success of this sourcing trip and similar initiatives, the Canton Fair is gearing up for its 137th edition, scheduled to take place from April 15 to May 5, 2025, in Guangzhou. With its commitment to innovation, connectivity, and excellence, the Canton Fair remains a driving force in promoting China’s trade partnerships globally.
Future Outlook: Expanding Global Trade Opportunities
The Dongguan sourcing trip underscores the Canton Fair’s crucial role in bridging international buyers with China’s manufacturing excellence. As Dongguan continues to leverage its industrial strengths and the Canton Fair expands its global reach, these initiatives exemplify China’s commitment to high-quality foreign trade development and economic collaboration.
