The 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, concluded Wednesday in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, drawing a record 352,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, up 12.2 percent from the previous edition.
Exhibitor quality continued to improve at this year's fair, showcasing the latest achievements in China's development of new quality productive forces. Among the 32,000 exhibitors, more than 11,000 were specialized and sophisticated enterprises that produce novel and unique products, as well as single-product champions.
A range of cutting-edge products were unveiled, including high-end chips, new-type energy storage systems and passenger drones. AI-powered innovations in service robots, smart home devices and intelligent health care stood out as major highlights. These products, designed around real-world application scenarios, aim to tap into emerging overseas consumer demand.
Of the 4.88 million exhibits, new products and green products accounted for 23.2 percent and 26 percent respectively, both hitting record highs, while exhibits with independent intellectual property rights made up 26 percent.
The 141st Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou from April 15 to May 5, 2027.
140th Canton Fair concludes in Guangzhou
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker visited Tongji University in Shanghai on Wednesday, before attending the opening ceremony of the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in the city on Thursday.
Stocker is paying an official visit to China until Saturday at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
While delivering a speech at the Tongji University, he put scientific research and higher education cooperation in the spotlight.
"Austria and China will build the future together, bringing mutual benefits to both countries. This requires courage, confidence and long-term commitment," said the Austrian chancellor, noting that Austria will be a trustworthy partner to China in opening a new chapter for cooperation.
At a panel discussion, participants from both countries discussed the future of science and engineering.
Recent exchanges between the Tongji University and Austrian universities focused on joint research, student mobility and the growing role of artificial intelligence in engineering education.
"This year marks the 55th anniversary of [the establishment of] diplomatic ties between China and Austria, and 100 years [the 100th year] since Professor Hans List began teaching at the Tongji University. These two milestones invite us to look back at history. The longstanding friendship between Chinese and Austrian engineers is a vivid example of China's openness to the world," said Wan Gang, honorary president of the China Association for Science and Technology.
In 1926, Hans List began teaching at the Tongji University, helping train China's first generation of internal combustion engine specialists. A century later, his family donated historical archives and a statue of him to the university.
There has been close cooperation between the Tongji University and AVL List GmbH, which was founded by Hans List and is one of the world's leading mobility technology companies for engineering, simulation, and testing in the automotive industry.
A century ago, Austria brought some of its most advanced engineering technologies to China. Today, the two countries are building on that legacy, strengthening their friendship and partnership, and driving a new wave of innovation together.
Austrian chancellor visits Tongji University in Shanghai
