Technological progress and improved quality of Chinese products at this year's Canton Fair in southern Chinese city Guangzhou have impressed both first-time visitors and long-time buyers, attracting them to visit factories in person.
The 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, serves as a barometer and wind vane of China's foreign trade.
The event is one of the world's few one-stop trade platforms offering a complete range of products with convenience and efficiency, while bringing together the latest products and technologies.
Canadian buyer Christina, owner of a restaurant and construction company, is attending the fair and visiting China for the first time.
Impressed by the materials and workmanship on display at a home furnishings booth of Canton Fair, she arranged an on-the-spot visit to the company's factory.
"When I came to the factory, I feel very welcomed and also I'm impressed about the machines they're using. Their technology is very up-to-date. And the materials are what I'm looking for. I think it's going to work for Canadian weather. And I want a little special. After I'm OK with the rendering, I can visualize how the design looks in my actual place," she said.
Given the long and cold winter season in Canada, Christina has strict standards when sourcing materials for doors and windows. After carefully comparing material performance, she has confirmed her purchasing intention.
Veteran buyers value more the stability and trust built with partners over years of cooperation.
Belgian real estate contractor Lasri has attended the Canton Fair more than 20 times. This year, he intends to buy a full range of raw materials and components for his factory project in Morocco.
This is his fourth visit to the same company. For him, factory visits have become regular meetings with long-standing partners.
"They are reliable and go the extra mile. They're even willing to help with other aspects of a project. I've already ordered several doors from them, and I plan to order more," Lasri said.
"Our first cooperation project involves door products for a 45-villa community with a total value of 620,000 U.S. dollars. Now all of them have been installed, and the client spoke highly of them. He told me about it pleasantly," said Yao Dingsheng, president of Guangdong Foshan Youyue Home Furnishing Company.
Buyers at Canton Fair visit factories to experience Chinese products
