Famed for its vast range of goods, the Canton Fair not only grabs attention with high-tech innovations, but traditional handicrafts still hold their ground.
Running in three phases from Oct 15 to Nov 4 in Guangzhou of south China's Guangdong Province, the fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, has attracted global buyers arriving with long procurement lists for Chinese products and a keen interest in closer collaboration with Chinese companies.
For 70 years, the Canton Fair has stood as China's enduring gateway to global trade. It is not only a stage for major corporations, but also a launchpad for time-honored handicraft makers.
Yamei Carpet Factory from central China's Henan Province is a beneficiary of this platform, as the fair helps it connect with international clients without traveling the world chasing buyers.
"These are Persian-style handwoven rugs. Our main export destinations are the Middle East, followed by Europe and the United States," said Chen Yufeng, director of Yamei Carpet Factory.
Today, the Henan-based enterprise has grown from a small workshop into a globally renowned supplier of premium handmade rugs, with annual export revenue jumping from a few thousand U.S. dollars to more than 8 million dollars.
"So far it's going very good. I like the product. I'm looking at mixed items, handmade silk rugs. I'm looking at bronze sculptures and other items. They are very popular because of the workmanship, the quality," said Faizan Hamshaid, a buyer from Pakistan.
Handwoven silk rugs come at a steep price, with a single piece costing thousands of U.S. dollars and requiring years of work by highly skilled artisans. The benefits of this booming trade ripple out to rural communities.
"Around 90 percent of our workers are women. At least half of them are local farmers. They can weave rugs at home in their villages while still tending their farmland. On average, a weaver can earn an extra 40,000 yuan (about 6,009 U.S. dollars) every year," Chen said.
Traditional handicrafts attract foreign buyers with unique charm at Canton Fair
