The 136th Canton Fair: A Breakthrough in Global Trade
The recently concluded 136th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, has marked a new era in global trade with its innovative online exhibition platform. This year, the fair transitioned from a traditional one-month tradeshow to a round-the-clock online exhibition, allowing seamless interactions among exhibitors and buyers worldwide.
During the autumn session, the fair witnessed a staggering participation of nearly 48,000 exhibitors who uploaded a remarkable 3.75 million exhibits to the online platform. This impressive figure represents year-on-year increases of 60% for exhibitors and 50% for exhibits. Such growth signals the Canton Fair's strong adaptation to the changing landscape of international trade, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
The Canton Fair's online platform integrates various elements such as supply matchmaking, business negotiations, and information sharing. This comprehensive approach creates significant opportunities for exhibitors to connect with overseas buyers, fostering efficient collaboration.
A notable addition to this year’s fair was the innovative virtual digital assistant, alongside the launch of an improved Canton Fair App. These tools aimed to streamline access and assistance for both exhibitors and buyers, greatly enhancing the trading experience.
Real Experiences from the Fair
Li Bingye, the marketing manager at Shijiazhuang Decno Decoration Materials Co., Ltd., shared their experience of leveraging both online and offline exhibition methods. Previously limited by just physical presence at the fair, Decno now enjoys the flexibility of showcasing their products at any hour, thus maximizing their business potential. To further enhance their online presence, they even established a VR booth that allows for detailed product demonstrations, thereby reaching out to over 50 international clients effectively.
Mr. Liang, head of sourcing for the Kawan Lama Group in Indonesia, praised the fair's online platform for its reliability. He stated that the suppliers featured are verified by the Canton Fair, which contributes to building trust compared to sourcing through other less transparent channels. Liang believes that such innovation encourages more secure and fruitful connections, especially in today's fast-paced global trade environment.
The Canton Fair's initiative aims to redefine standards of engagement and connection within the industry. The fair's strategic shift emphasizes the empowerment of exhibitors through continuous engagement, paving the way for unparalleled business expansion opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As the Canton Fair continues to adapt and evolve, the upcoming 137th session is already on the horizon. Scheduled for April 15 to May 5, 2025, the fair is set to further enhance its offerings and expand on the successes achieved this year. With such advancements in digital trade platforms, the Canton Fair is poised to remain a pivotal event for global business interactions.
For those interested in discovering more about the upcoming fair and future opportunities, more information can be found at
Canton Fair's official website.