Overseas Buyers Explore New Opportunities at 136th Canton Fair in Guangzhou
The 136th Canton Fair concluded on November 4, 2024, setting a new record with an impressive turnout of 253,000 overseas buyers from 214 different countries and regions. This biannual event, held in Guangzhou, China, serves as a major platform for international trade and has become integral for buyers looking to discover new products and suppliers. Among the prominent attendees was Duarte Nuno Rocha, the Chief Representative of the Sonae Group in China. With over two decades of experience at Sonae, Duarte emphasized the importance of the Canton Fair for his company's procurement strategy. Having participated in the Fair since 2006, he has observed firsthand the evolution of Chinese manufacturing and its impact on global markets.
Sonae operates across several sectors including retail, financial services, technology, shopping centers, real estate, and telecommunications. As the head of the Sonae office in Guangzhou, Duarte plays a crucial role in the company's trade and sourcing endeavors throughout China and Asia. He noted that Chinese products have made a significant impression on Portuguese consumers, thanks to their attractive pricing and enhanced quality. Over the three phases of the Canton Fair, Duarte and his colleagues explored a wide array of innovative products and identified a multitude of excellent suppliers.
Duarte remarked, 'I've witnessed substantial improvements in product quality over the years from Chinese manufacturers. Today, overseas consumers have higher expectations regarding products made in China, valuing aspects like quality, technology, and innovation. Additionally, there's a growing concern about environmental impacts and the social contributions of brands, which is a prevalent trend.' These changes influence Duarte's search for suppliers, where criteria such as product quality, innovation, sustainability practices, and compliance with regulations play pivotal roles.
'It's essential to meet existing and potential suppliers at the Canton Fair. Face-to-face interactions are crucial for defining orders and the scope of purchasing collaboration in the following year. This helps us in making informed decisions regarding long-term business partnerships,' he added.
The Canton Fair is continuously integrating innovative features and developing digital platforms to enhance the experience for international buyers. Duarte highlighted the convenience of the online exhibition and the newly launched mobile app, which facilitate easier navigation for overseas buyers. He expressed a desire to leverage market insights and trend reports showcased at the Fair to better understand both Chinese and global trends, enabling more informed business decisions.
Looking ahead, the 137th Canton Fair is scheduled to be held from April 15 to May 5, 2025, in Guangzhou. It promises to further expand opportunities for international buyers eager to explore the latest in global trade. To obtain additional details about the event, interested parties can visit the official website at www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US. With its rich history and continuous evolution, the Canton Fair remains a cornerstone of international trade, fostering connections between global businesses and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Sonae operates across several sectors including retail, financial services, technology, shopping centers, real estate, and telecommunications. As the head of the Sonae office in Guangzhou, Duarte plays a crucial role in the company's trade and sourcing endeavors throughout China and Asia. He noted that Chinese products have made a significant impression on Portuguese consumers, thanks to their attractive pricing and enhanced quality. Over the three phases of the Canton Fair, Duarte and his colleagues explored a wide array of innovative products and identified a multitude of excellent suppliers.
Duarte remarked, 'I've witnessed substantial improvements in product quality over the years from Chinese manufacturers. Today, overseas consumers have higher expectations regarding products made in China, valuing aspects like quality, technology, and innovation. Additionally, there's a growing concern about environmental impacts and the social contributions of brands, which is a prevalent trend.' These changes influence Duarte's search for suppliers, where criteria such as product quality, innovation, sustainability practices, and compliance with regulations play pivotal roles.
'It's essential to meet existing and potential suppliers at the Canton Fair. Face-to-face interactions are crucial for defining orders and the scope of purchasing collaboration in the following year. This helps us in making informed decisions regarding long-term business partnerships,' he added.
The Canton Fair is continuously integrating innovative features and developing digital platforms to enhance the experience for international buyers. Duarte highlighted the convenience of the online exhibition and the newly launched mobile app, which facilitate easier navigation for overseas buyers. He expressed a desire to leverage market insights and trend reports showcased at the Fair to better understand both Chinese and global trends, enabling more informed business decisions.
Looking ahead, the 137th Canton Fair is scheduled to be held from April 15 to May 5, 2025, in Guangzhou. It promises to further expand opportunities for international buyers eager to explore the latest in global trade. To obtain additional details about the event, interested parties can visit the official website at www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US. With its rich history and continuous evolution, the Canton Fair remains a cornerstone of international trade, fostering connections between global businesses and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Topics General Business）
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