140th Canton Fair draws around 340,000 overseas buyers
The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou on Thursday, bringing together more than 32,000 exhibitors and around 340,000 overseas buyers.
The fair is marking its 70th anniversary this year. Covering 1.55 million square meters, it is being held in three phases and will run through November 4.
More than 11,000 exhibitors are leading companies in niche markets or enterprises specializing in advanced and innovative technologies. Around 64 percent of exhibitors are using technologies such as the industrial internet and artificial intelligence.
New products account for 23.2 percent of exhibits, while green products make up 26 percent, with both shares reaching record highs. More than 700 new-product launch events are also scheduled during the fair.
The first phase runs from Thursday to Monday and focuses on advanced manufacturing. More than 12,000 companies are exhibiting across 520,000 square meters, presenting products ranging from electronics and home appliances to industrial automation.
Dedicated sections also feature emerging industries such as service robots, drones and display technologies.
The influx of overseas buyers has already increased passenger traffic at airports in Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Many visitors are showing strong interest in Chinese electric vehicles, robots, home appliances and other smart products.
According to CCTV+, the Canton Fair remains China's largest and longest-running international trade exhibition and is widely seen as an important indicator of the country's foreign trade.
