The STAR Composite Index, which reflects the performance of stocks on China's sci-tech innovation board, closed 0.86 percent lower at 1,570.40 points on Monday.
The STAR 50 Index, which tracks the 50 largest stocks listed on the board that also meet certain liquidity requirements, closed 2.17 percent lower at 1,329.19 points.
The sci-tech innovation board, commonly known as the STAR Market, was inaugurated in June 2019 at Shanghai Stock Exchange. It is designed to support companies in the high-tech and strategic emerging sectors.
China's STAR Composite Index closes lower Monday
Chinese manufacturers presented machinery, components and complete production-line solutions to overseas buyers seeking factory upgrades as the Canton Fair's first phase closed in the provincial capital of Guangdong in south China on Monday.
The first phase of the 140th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, focused on advanced manufacturing.
In one exhibition hall, companies demonstrated large computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, robotic arms and industrial 3D printers arranged around different manufacturing processes.
At a booth run by GSK CNC Equipment, an ultrafine metal sample made on a precision machine drew the attention of overseas buyers.
"Each needle is just 0.05 millimeters in diameter, and there are 127 needles in total. It is the algorithms of our CNC system and the high performance of our servo motors that allowed us to make them precisely on a machine tool, just like turning an iron rod into a needle. We don't just sell products, but also offer complete solutions, including how to weld the components and design the entire system," said Qiu Xiaohua, deputy general manager of GSK CNC Equipment.
Among those inspecting the equipment was Armenian buyer Liliya Grigoryan, whose company operates a large factory.
"[It's] innovative, [with a] better system. And even in the future, we're planning to change all our machines into this kind of machines, hopefully [with help] from you to help our workers," Grigoryan said.
The exhibits gave buyers a chance to explore components, machinery and production-line solutions in one place, reflecting the strength of China's manufacturing supply chain. Polish buyer Jan Smith said his long-standing relationships with Chinese suppliers had evolved as their businesses grew.
"My supplier since 30 years, they become to be from a small, simple company, they become to be a huge company with R and D, with every system, with design, with automated production. So we are talking, like, together how to improve, and this really works," Smith said.
For some exhibitors, overseas business now extends beyond equipment sales to investment in factories and cooperation on technology. Nearly 20 percent of the more than 32,000 companies exhibiting at this year's fair have invested abroad, creating more than 200,000 jobs in host countries, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The fair's second phase, focused on home products, is scheduled for Oct. 23 to 27.
Chinese manufacturing solutions attract Canton Fair buyers
