Canton fair showcases lifestyle goods with global appeal in third phase

The third phase of the 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, opened on Thursday, highlighting the products aimed at enhancing quality of life.

Covering a total exhibition area of 515,000 square meters, which is about the size of two National Stadiums, or the Bird's Nest, the five-day event, with the theme "better life", features 21 exhibition zones across five major sectors: toys and maternity products, fashion, household textiles, stationery, and health and leisure.

The largest sections are dedicated to fashion and health and leisure, showcasing the latest clothing trends, innovative sports and outdoor products amid the country's fitness boom, and a wide range of pet products tapping into the thriving pet economy.

This session attracted around 11,700 companies, including more than 2,100 high-quality enterprises recognized as "little giant" companies that specialize in unique and innovative manufacturing, sector champions, and national high-tech enterprises, an increase of more than 600 from the same phase of the previous edition. First-time exhibitors exceeded 1,100, enhancing the diversity of offerings.

The showcased products prioritize comfort, utility and sustainability. Fashion companies are presenting clothing crafted from advanced materials that offer temperature regulation, waterproofing and breathability. Smart devices for pets allow precise adjustments via smartphone apps, appealing to pet owners seeking high-tech convenience.

In sectors like apparel, textiles and toys, exhibitors are also introducing biodegradable and recyclable materials, with many companies adopting eco-friendly production processes to reduce environmental impact.

Highlighting Chinese culture, some exhibitors incorporate traditional elements into their products, such as combining techniques like classic silk-making with modern designs to draw buyers' attention while building distinctive brand identities.

In addition to the export exhibition, the fair also features a dedicated import exhibition, where 257 companies from 29 countries and regions worldwide participate, displaying premium goods, from delicate specialties, personal care products to sports and leisure products, with around 66 percent of the participants representing Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries.

A dedicated matchmaking session promoting imported agricultural products will be held on Friday, bringing together high-quality specialties from around the world to facilitate their entry into the Chinese market.

As a key platform for connecting enterprises with global buyers, the 136th fair has already hosted 673 trade promotion activities, representing a growth of over 25 percent from the previous session.

Launched in 1957, the biannual Canton Fair is China's largest trade fair and widely seen as a barometer of the country's foreign trade. It takes place every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, typically featuring three phases per session.

Canton fair showcases lifestyle goods with global appeal in third phase

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests