For 70 years, three generations of the Hong Kong-based Lee family have witnessed the evolution of the Canton Fair, a journey that mirrors China's opening-up and economic development.
The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is China's longest-running trade event.
Michael Li Chi-fung, Deputy Secretary General of the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association, carries on his family's long history of involvement in the import and export business.
"Our family already joined the Canton Fair for 70 years. We are the third generation working on import and export business. I can see the revolution of the Canton Fair. When my grandfather first came, whatever we had, we sold to the world. And then the second period was OEM – we could make things cheaper than other suppliers. But now we create many technology things, AI-plus," he said.
Seventy years ago, China's exports at the first Canton Fair were mainly agricultural goods, porcelain, and handicrafts. Michael's grandfather, Lee Fuen, was one of the exporters. He took part in 126 sessions of the bianual Fair, exporting more than 100 types of Chinese products globally.
Uncle Fuen's canned food remains a nostalgic memory on the tastebuds of generations of Chinese people. Chi-fung continues to refine these foods while embracing new waves of innovation.
"We can see in the Canton Fair, we have many brands creating different kinds of robots. That means if we have enough power, the supply chain is strong enough to support (it). I think it's really positive for all these technology things in China to be exported to other countries," he said.
Maintaining a commitment to bringing Chinese goods to the world, Chi-fung does what he can to connect these innovations to global buyers. One example is a smart coffee machine that uses a robotic arm.
"This brand I know from the Canton Fair. I'm also helping the brands and some companies develop travel retail, in airports and duty-free retail. We are looking forward to seeing more opportunities to go more like to Southeast Asia," he said.
From traditional canned food to intelligent machines, for this Hong Kong family, the Canton Fair is more than just a trade show. It stands as a vivid testament to China's opening-up, with Hong Kong merchants serving as a vital bridge connecting Chinese goods and innovations to the wider world.
Hong Kong family's 70-year Canton Fair journey mirrors China's opening-up
