Canton Fair highlights strong turnout from Belt and Road countries

The 137th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, has seen strong engagement from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, with over 183,000 overseas buyers attending as of Saturday.

The Canton Fair, currently in its third phase, hosted 134 industrial and commercial chambers, including the Argentine-Chinese Chamber, with their delegations in attendance. Belt and Road Initiative delegations accounted for 51 percent of the total, highlighting the growing depth of trade partnerships.

The strong participation further expanded the depth and breadth of international cooperation for exhibitors at the fair.

Taking place from April 15 to May 5, this edition of the fair is divided into three themed phases -- "Advanced Manufacturing," "Quality Home Living," and the current phase, "Better Life," which opened on Thursday.

Canton Fair highlights strong turnout from Belt and Road countries

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned on Thursday that the global oil market may enter a "red zone" in July and August this year, as fuel demand rise and stocks dwindle.

Birol noted that the supply crisis triggered by the situation in the Middle East was initially cushioned by spare capacity in the global oil market, but that oil stocks are now gradually decreasing.

The 32 members of the IEA on March 11 unanimously agreed to make 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves available to the market in response to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

The IEA stands ready to coordinate further reserve releases if necessary, Birol added.

IEA chief warns of global oil market entering "red zone" this summer