The 135th Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, opened in south China's Guangzhou on Monday, attracting record international participation as more global buyers flock to the event to unlock its vast business potential.
The expo incorporates three separate five-day phases which will run through to May 5 under the theme of "advanced manufacturing", "quality home life", and "better life", respectively.
Large crowds of predominantly international buyers eagerly lined up outside the venue as Monday's opening session got underway. About 145,000 buyers from 215 countries had registered prior to the event's opening, with attendance from partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative increasing by 45.9 percent year on year, highlighting the significance of the fair.
Anmar Waia, a buyer from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who has been attending the Canton Fair for nearly two decades, has started bringing along his son as he looks to grow the family business.
"I bring him here to see the environment and to continue our company's relations with Chinese suppliers," he said.
"It's very interesting, and every year, we see many innovations happening here," said his son, Mohannad.
"I like to deal with the Chinese suppliers, frankly, because I feel positive and also lucky. When I get something from here, I can get a good profit for my company," said Anmar, as he summarized the positive atmosphere for making deals at the long-running event.
In recent years, China has continued to promote an opening-up policy while seeking greater win-win cooperation with other countries around the world. With recent measures such as more visa-free entry policies and an increase in the number of international flights, experts are anticipating a significant turnout among both international buyers and businesses.
This expectation is evidenced by the fact the fair has seen a notable 21.4 percent increase in the number of American buyers during this opening session, with many U.S. attendees hailing the increasingly open environment which is helping facilitate trade and business.
"Chinese manufacturing is fantastic. We've been here [for a long time], and it's getting better every year. Doing business here in China gets easier every year," said Michael Kersey, president of the American Lawn Mower Company.
While the majority of exhibitors are Chinese suppliers, the fair boasts an expansive exhibition area spanning more than 3,000 square meters for the 680 international companies from 50 different countries and regions who are taking part in the first session.
"Why do we attend the Canton Fair? We are interested to see our customers. Because we know all of our customers they prefer to come to China for the Canton Fair," said Bashir Slaibi, area export manager of Klass, a Turkish company specialized in kitchen appliances.
Launched in 1957 and since held twice a year, the Canton Fair is considered a major gauge of China's foreign trade.
Int'l buyers, exhibitors look to make new deals at popular Canton Fair
