GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 140th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) will take place in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026. Over 220,000 overseas buyers from 197 countries and regions have already completed pre-registration, with professional buyers accounting for nearly 80%. Marking the 70th anniversary of its founding, the upcoming Canton Fair features innovation, intelligence, greater specialization and higher quality:
Innovation and Green Manufacturing Take Center Stage
The 140th Canton Fair will feature over 32,000 exhibiting enterprises. More than 11,000 of these are recognized as "Specialized, Refined, Differential, and Innovative" (SRDI) firms or industry champions.
The Canton Fair fully demonstrates the ongoing transformation and upgrading of China's manufacturing industry, with 64% of exhibitors now applying industrial internet and artificial intelligence technologies in their operations. New and green products will account for 23.2% and 26% of all exhibits respectively, both reaching historical highs.
AI and Digital Intelligence Empower the Sourcing Journey
The 140th Canton Fair has further elevated its digital and intelligent capabilities. It deeply integrates technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data into all aspects of event operation. For the first time, the fair will deploy 22 smart application scenarios and 16 AI-specific features throughout the exhibition process. It is the first in China's exhibition industry to realize booth-level navigation and AR information display. Among these innovations, the full-scene booth-level navigation covers all halls for the first time, delivering meter-level precise navigation services for more than 75,000 booths.
Upgrading Full-chain Trade Services
For the first time, the Fair achieves full coverage of 10 categories of producer services. Ranging from logistics and warehousing, design and R&D to overseas integrated services and cross-border investment and financing, it provides one-stop trade services for products, brands and enterprises to explore the international market. There will be over 700 New Collection events at this session, representing a 15% increase in the number of debuts. New Collection Gallery is set up for the first time to facilitate supplier-buyer matching. To boost communication and matchmaking, seven high-quality forums will be held centering on four major themes: expanding markets, mitigating risks, researching trends and fostering innovation.
Zhu Yong, Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre, stated: "We will continue to build smart exhibition halls and a smart Canton Fair, offering exhibitors and buyers a full-journey, full-chain and full-scenario service ecosystem to comprehensively upgrade the experience."
For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16
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The 140th Canton Fair to Open on Oct. 15 with Over 220,000 Pre-registered Overseas Buyers
Paul joins Owl's global platform to support founders building the future of learning and work
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Owl Ventures, the world's largest venture capital firm focused on education and workforce innovation, today announced that NBA legend, entrepreneur, and community leader Chris Paul has joined the firm as Venture Partner.
As Venture Partner, Paul will support founders, convene strategic partners, and bring perspective and relationships that help portfolio companies expand their reach and impact. The role builds on his longstanding focus on mentorship, leadership development, and expanding opportunity across communities, while deepening his work with founders and businesses beyond sports.
With more than $2.2 billion in committed capital, three global offices, and over 100 investments, Owl Ventures backs companies helping people learn, prepare for work, advance in their careers, and build skills throughout life. Owl's portfolio companies collectively reach more than 700 million users globally.
"Education is where real change starts," said Chris Paul. "That can happen in a classroom, through a trade, with a mentor, or through the lessons you learn from family and community. My upbringing was rooted in placing value on work ethic, ownership, and opportunity and how access to those things can change a person's life. Owl shares that same belief in helping build companies that can have real impact and give more people access to the tools and opportunities they need to move forward."
As president of the National Basketball Players Association for eight years, Paul represented players through major business and labor issues, built consensus across the league, and helped advance player empowerment and economic opportunity. That experience directly informs the perspective he brings to founders at Owl.
"Chris Paul has spent his career doing what great point guards do: seeing the floor, recognizing potential, and helping others succeed," said Ian Chiu, Managing Partner of Owl Ventures. "That instinct has always extended beyond basketball. As a leader, entrepreneur, and community builder, Chris has used his platform to expand opportunity and help people move forward. We are thrilled to welcome him to Owl as Venture Partner as we continue backing companies that help people learn, build skills, and reach their potential."
As AI reshapes how people learn, work, and build careers, lifelong learning and the ability to turn new skills into opportunity are becoming essential. We believe the companies defining this next era will pair technology with an even greater emphasis on real-world context, trusted relationships, and human insight.
"From the beginning, Owl Ventures has been built around a simple belief: learning is one of the most powerful drivers of human potential and economic progress," said Tom Costin, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Owl Ventures. "Our approach has always been to bring more than capital to the founders building transformative companies in education and workforce innovation. In a rapidly changing landscape, deep sector insight, relationships, and practical support in reaching the people they serve matter more than ever. Chris adds a powerful new dimension to that work."
About Owl Ventures
Owl Ventures is the world's largest venture capital firm focused on education and workforce innovation. With more than $2.2 billion in committed capital, the firm partners with transformative companies helping people learn, prepare for work, advance in their careers, and build skills throughout life. Owl Ventures leverages its global network, sector expertise, and strategic relationships to help founders scale category-defining companies that expand access, improve outcomes, and create economic opportunity. Owl's portfolio companies collectively serve more than 700 million users worldwide. Learn more at www.owlvc.com.
About Chris Paul
Chris Paul is an NBA legend, entrepreneur, investor, and community leader whose impact extends well beyond basketball. He served eight years as president of the National Basketball Players Association, representing players through major business, labor, and organizational issues during a transformative period for the league. Off the court, Paul has built and invested in businesses across sports, media, and consumer products. For more than two decades, Paul and his family have created opportunities for young people through the Chris Paul Family Foundation. His education work includes establishing the Business of Entertainment, Media and Sports course at several HBCUs with Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse and creating Club 61, a youth leadership program focused on financial literacy, education and technology, civic responsibility, and leadership development.
Media Contact:
Malvika Bhagwat
malvika@owlvc.com
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Owl Ventures Welcomes NBA Legend Chris Paul as Venture Partner
