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
The statement of U.S. President Donald Trump highlighted the urgency for reforming global governance, according to a poll from China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday.
"I don't need international law," said Trump during an with The New York Times this week, days after the U.S. attack on Venezuela and the forcible seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. This statement perfectly captures Washington's unilateral and hegemonic trajectory. The New York Times observed that Trump's assessment of his own freedom to use any instrument of military, economic or political power to cement American supremacy was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his world-view.
In a global public opinion poll conducted by CGTN, 93.5 percent of respondents expressed belief that the U.S., by pursuing unilateralism, has placed itself in opposition to the international community. Also, 91.7 percent think that reforming the global governance system is an urgent priority.
On Wednesday the U.S. announced its withdrawal from 66 international organizations, setting a new record for its retreat from multilateral commitments. These organizations span climate, energy, and global governance, among other fields. Trump argues that their operations run counter to U.S. national interests, sovereignty, and economic prosperity.
In response, 84.1 percent of respondents were not surprised by the U.S. move. Meanwhile, 88.9 percent viewed it as another radical step under the "America First" doctrine. In addition, 93 percent believed the U.S. approach of using international systems when beneficial and abandoning them when not severely undermines the existing international order and global fairness and justice. Also, 88.3 percent noted that the U.S. withdrawals once again expose it as an irresponsible major power, dealing a significant blow to its international reputation. Furthermore, 88.5 percent believe the U.S. withdrawals reflect its negative attitude toward global governance.
The recent episode of unilateral and bullying actions by the U.S. government has sparked widespread alarm and discontent within the international community. Washington's adherence to the law of the jungle where "might is right" is severely undermining the global governance system. In the poll, 89.9 percent of respondents agreed that multilateralism, based on coordination and cooperation, remains key to addressing current global governance challenges. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent believe it is crucial to advance the reform of the global governance system, uphold international rule of law, and enhance the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. Moreover, 90 percent think major powers should shoulder greater responsibility and play a more constructive role in promoting global governance reform.
The poll was conducted across CGTN platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian languages, attracting 24,000 responses within 24 hours.
Trump says 'I don't need international law,' highlighting urgency for reforming global governance: CGTN poll
