China's biannual Canton Fair provides important business opportunities for both import and export, said Kenyan traders attending the 139th edition of the event.
Running from April 15 to May 5 in south China's Guangzhou City, the 139th edition of the Canton Fair, or the China Import and Export Fair, drew a record number of over 32,000 exhibitors showcasing products covering electronics, machinery, health, fashion, consumer goods and high-tech industrial solutions.
"Everything is excellent. It's just perfect. I believe what I've seen in this Canton Fair is not what I had even imagined. So why not if I intend my business to grow and also tap into new markets, then the only way is through the Canton Fair," said Preeti, a Kenyan buyer.
Preeti is a member of the Kenyan delegation of 179 buyers. Her company provides cleaning, care and guest room supplies for hotels and other institutions.
In the past, she would source Chinese goods through intermediaries, which resulted in higher costs and thinner profit margins. Now, she said the Canton Fair has exceeded her expectations.
"I look forward if I have a chance of even coming in October. And next year, again and again, I will be here. But now I've taken it. It's now my duty to see to it as an ambassador of Canton Fair, that I will be able to encourage others and just come to China and do trade," she said.
Like Preeti, Kenya trader Richard Dongo has also set his sights on the Canton Fair. Dongo operates an export business for specialty agricultural products such as coffee and tea.
His goal is to showcase Kenya's high-quality products on the exhibition stands at the next Canton Fair.
"I'm here to make sure that our Kenyan exporters can be able to export and look market for our product because here we have a lot of huge market. And this is only one of the entry points to the Chinese market, and actually the way we are engaging with other international buyers. We are meeting here," said Dongo.
Established in 1957, the Canton Fair takes place twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest running of several comprehensive international trade events in China, and it has been hailed as the barometer of China's foreign trade.
China's Canton Fair provides opportunities for new market access: Kenyan traders
China is gaining a growing reputation as one of the top global tourism destination as more international travelers marvel at its modern infrastructure and enjoy its safe and hospitable environment.
The country is experiencing a surge in tourism during the five-day May Day Holiday which began on Friday, with more and more global visitors making the trip thanks to the introduction of a range of visa-free and transit visa policies for ordinary passport holders from many countries.
The bustling city of Shanghai has seen a hike in international tourism in recent days, with a number of foreign visitors flocking in to explore China's culture and enjoy the local cuisine.
"We are impressed with China. We love China now, and we are similar in the culture. For example, the spicy food," said a tourist from Mexico.
Meanwhile, Chongqing, a mountainous metropolis in the country's southwest has also become a trending destination for tourists from across the world, with many amazed by its stunning and distinctive cityscape.
"[This] city on the hills is amazing, so when you first go to one of the rivers and you see how the huge buildings cluster over the rivers, that's amazing," said a British traveler.
"I also think that the infrastructures are very good and very futuristic and modern, like the subway is very efficient and it's very good. So I want to give a thumbs-up to like the Chinese people because I think they are very kind with foreigners, like every Chinese people I met in Shanghai and here, they always are very friendly," said a tourist from France.
On top of the eye-catching attractions and impressive infrastructure, many highlighted the friendly nature of the Chinese people and the sense of security they feel while traveling in the country.
A group of three friends from Spain said they have been impressed by the hospitable welcome they have received, and the level of social trust they have encountered during their stay China.
"We feel like at home, even though most of them they don't speak English, they are nice," said one of the group.
"You can [not worry about] the pocket, they don't try to like steal from you or anything. If you forget the phone at the table, they go like: 'hey, you forgot that'," said another.
"When we just arrived in Shanghai and he forgot the e-book in the plane and I received an email, like 'guys you you forgot the e-book in the plane'. So for us, it was wow, crazy," added another of the Spanish tourists.
Foreign visitors marvel at China's modern infrastructure; safe, hospitable environment
