The ongoing 137th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as Canton Fair, kicked off its second phase on Wednesday, showcasing an extensive range of home life products.
The five-day second phase emphasizes "quality home life," featuring sections dedicated to building and decorative materials, home decorations, and gifts, catering to the diversified demands of global buyers seeking related exquisite products.
Over 167,000 products will be shown during the second phase, making it the most extensive collection among the fair's three phases.
"That's the first time that I'm here. Very good. It's a huge amount of variety, and virtually every vendor is here and also the vendors that we want to talk to. It's very well organized. I mean, great facilities," said a Canadian buyer.
Chinese service robots caught the spotlight during the just-concluded first phase, impressing customers with advanced technologies and functions and generating substantial orders for exhibiting companies.
"This part of the fair is amazing, because I have never seen in person a robot like this and it's impressive. I am here seeing the future," said a Venezuelan buyer.
The Canton Fair's first phase, which concluded on Saturday, attracted over 148,000 overseas buyers from 216 countries and regions, marking a 20.2 percent increase compared to last year.
The 137th fair is divided into three phases: the first, running from April 15-19, focuses on advanced manufacturing; the second, from April 23-27, focuses on quality home furnishings; and the third, from May 1-5, on products that promote a better quality of life.
The Canton Fair spans 1.55 million square meters of exhibition areas, with about 74,000 booths, including nearly 73,000 for exports and about 1,600 for imports.
Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trade events in China and has been hailed as the barometer of China's foreign trade.
137th Canton Fair opens 2nd phase, showcasing home life products
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
