A charismatic local exhibitor has been unfazed by the language barrier as he busily drums up attention for his booth at the ongoing 137th China Import and Export Fair, or the Canton Fair, successfully attracting numerous foreign buyers through his flamboyant communication methods.
Held twice a year in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, the event attracts tens of thousands of buyers from around the world seeking Chinese products that meet their specific needs.
Seizing this fantastic opportunity, many exhibitors are working hard as they strive to find new customers and expand into new markets.
Among them is 54-year-old Huang Yiyou, the owner of an agricultural machinery company, whose big personality is helping him stand out from the competition.
Despite his limited English proficiency, Huang is not afraid of drawing attention to himself and seems able to attract numerous foreign visitors through his own personal charm, with simple words, expressive gestures, and an infectious smile. When potential customers seek more information about his products, he quickly calls over one of his colleagues to provide more detailed support.
"We have people who can speak English. That's enough. What the rest of us have to do is bring in the business and attract more people," Huang said.
Despite the seemingly hectic nature of his work, the energetic Huang remains committed to his task, seeing it as his responsibility to keep people coming to his booth and enable the company to sell their products on the global markets.
This is Huang's fourth participation in the Canton Fair, but his passion for expanding the international reach of his products remains strong.
"It's not tiring at all. It takes great effort to secure more orders so that I can sell my products worldwide," he said.
Throughout the fair, Huang has gained something of cult following on social media by sharing short videos from the exhibition. He has also invited both new and returning clients to visit his factory as he looks to demonstrate the quality of Chinese-made products.
"The world needs China and our quality Chinese products, and we are here to provide them. The Chinese economy drives the global economy," he said.
Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is the longest-running of several comprehensive international trade events in China and has been hailed as the barometer of China's foreign trade.
The latest edition of the Canton Fair is running in three phases from April 15 to May 5.
Charismatic local exhibitor overcomes language barrier to attract foreign buyers at Canton Fair
