The 136th Canton Fair, which concluded on November 4, 2024, set a historic milestone by welcoming 253,000 overseas buyers from 214 countries and regions. Among the attendees was Duarte Nuno Rocha, the chief representative of Sonae Group in China, who described the Fair as an indispensable part of his annual business calendar.
Witnessing the Evolution of Chinese Manufacturing
With over two decades at Sonae, a multinational conglomerate operating in retail, financial services, technology, real estate, and more, Duarte has been attending the Canton Fair since 2006. Over the years, he has observed the significant transformation of Chinese manufacturing, which has garnered global recognition for its quality, technology, and cost efficiency.
Duarte, who manages Sonae’s Guangzhou office, highlighted the positive perception of Chinese-made products among consumers in Portugal. He attributed this to their high cost-performance ratio and enhanced quality standards. At the 136th Canton Fair, Duarte and his team explored innovative products and identified numerous excellent suppliers to strengthen Sonae’s global sourcing network.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Forefront
According to Duarte, global consumer expectations for Made in China products are evolving. Factors such as product quality, technological advancements, environmental impact, and social contributions now play a critical role in influencing purchasing decisions.
“Over the years, I’ve seen Chinese manufacturers significantly improve their product quality,” Duarte said. “Today, there’s a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in addition to quality.”
These criteria are central to Sonae’s supplier selection process, and face-to-face communication at the Fair remains pivotal. Duarte emphasized that direct interaction with suppliers facilitates strategic partnerships and long-term planning.
Canton Fair’s Digital Transformation Enhances Buyer Experience
The Canton Fair has embraced digital innovation, offering online exhibitions and a newly launched mobile app for overseas buyers. Duarte praised these tools for their convenience, enabling participants to navigate product categories, access market insights, and explore global trends more efficiently.
Leveraging these resources, Duarte aims to enhance his understanding of the Chinese market and emerging global trends, empowering more informed business decisions for Sonae Group.
Looking Ahead: The 137th Canton Fair
The 137th Canton Fair is set to take place from April 15 to May 5, 2025, in Guangzhou. With its consistent focus on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity, the Fair continues to be a leading platform for international trade partnerships.
