137th Canton Fair reports rising orders from BRI partner countries

The 137th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has witnessed a significant rise in orders from Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries, underscoring deepening trade ties and growing market demand.

Running from April 15 to May 5 in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou, this edition of the biennial fair has attracted about 31,000 participating firms, up by nearly 900 compared with the previous fair.

Fei Bo, a power tools and appliances exhibitor has participated in the expo for three consecutive years. He said his company's latest products - featuring core patented technologies and notable advantages such as user-friendly operation and long battery life—have seen a marked increase in market share in BRI countries.

"Through the Canton Fair, we met many new clients, mainly from Belt and Road countries, which led to a surge in orders. Compared with last year, our first-quarter sales rose by 50 percent. Based on our preliminary discussions and negotiations, I sense even stronger purchasing intent this year," said Fei.

With China's "circle of friends" among BRI countries continuing to expand, the export share of one participating enterprise to these countries now accounts for half of its total export volume. Leveraging the unique strengths of China's manufacturing supply chain, the company continues to develop products tailored to the needs of BRI markets.

"By focusing on the habits and preferences of consumers in BRI countries, we've introduced customized options in areas such as color and functionality, offering customers more diversified and flexible choices," said Wu Qinan, a staff member of an exhibiting company.

A purchaser from Saudi Arabia said his firm has established cooperation with several suppliers during last year's expo and aims to expand partnerships this year.

"Last year we have been here, we purchased from more than 15 suppliers, and this year we are going to repeat the order with these suppliers once again, even though we open with many other new manufacturer in China," said the purchaser.

According to data from the General Administration of Customs, China's imports and exports with BRI partner countries reached 5 trillion yuan (about 715 billion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 2.2 percent and setting a new record for the same period in history.

137th Canton Fair reports rising orders from BRI partner countries

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival