This year’s giant Canton Fair is underway in Guangzhou, running until May 5. Inside Retail has looked into the history of this internationally recognised event, why businesspeople should attend, and what they can expect this year. 

The Canton Fair and its history

The China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, was established in the spring of 1957. It is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou, and co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and organised by China Foreign Trade Centre. During its long history of 136 sessions, the fair has grown into China’s leading trade industry event and a barometer of China’s foreign trade. 

The accumulated export volume created by the Canton Fair has now exceeded about US$1.5 trillion while the number of overseas buyers attending the Canton Fair onsite and online has exceeded 12 million. This illustrates how the fair has effectively promoted trade connections and friendly exchanges between China and the world.

Why people should attend the Canton Fair

Canton Fair is the window, the epitome, and a symbol of China’s opening up as a global trading partner and supplier to the world and an essential platform for international trade cooperation. Representatives of companies from more than 229 countries have successfully established trade relations with Chinese companies throughout the event’s history, making it one of the world’s most significant trade networking opportunities. 

What makes this year’s Canton Fair unique

Covering approximately 1.55 million sqm, this year’s Canton Fair will feature around 74,000 booths and welcome about 31,000 exhibitors. Notably, the number of National Pavilion exhibitors will surpass 30,000 for the first time, up nearly 900 from the previous session.

The fair is divided into three phases under the themes of ‘Advanced Manufacturing’, ‘Quality Home Life’, and ‘Better Life’. This year’s edition features 55 exhibition sections and 172 product zones, with newly added zones dedicated to service robots and integrated housing solutions.

The fair continues to embrace a hybrid model, with an online platform operating all year round. It has enhanced the functionality of the digital platform, improved its structure, and upgraded services to create new business opportunities and help stabilise and improve the quality of China’s foreign trade.

How is the government supporting the Canton Fair?

The Central Committee of the CPC attaches great importance to the Canton Fair. President Xi Jinping sent important congratulatory letters to the 120th and 130th Canton Fairs. In his letter to the 130th Canton Fair, he noted that it has significantly facilitated international trade, the connection between domestic and global markets, and economic development since its establishment. The letter endowed the Canton Fair with a new historic mission, pointing a way for the Fair in the new journey of the new era.

Premier Li Qiang visited the 135th Canton Fair, and emphasised that efforts should be made to build an all-year-round Canton Fair and a Canton Fair that leads the market. Further success should be achieved to burnish the Canton Fair’s brand in the new era.

In the future, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the Canton Fair will fully implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and President Xi’s congratulatory letter, follow through the decisions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, as well as the requirements of the Ministry of Commerce and Guangdong Province. 

This year, the deputy director of the China Foreign Trade Centre, Zhang Sihong, welcomed international guests, highlighting the fair’s role as a long-standing bridge of global cooperation. “The Canton Fair once again opens its arms to friends from around the world,” said Zhang. “Here, in this spectacular event, we come together to pursue shared success and mutual benefit.”.

Closing comments about the Canton Fair

Thanks to the expanding scale and evolving content, the Canton Fair remains a vital platform for connecting international markets and showcasing China’s industrial progress. As it enters its 137th session, the fair continues to foster trade cooperation and inspire global partnerships, reaffirming its position as a cornerstone of international commerce.

• If you are considering attending the Canton Fair, please visit this link. If you have already registered, download the Canton Fair App, an essential tool for onsite and online engagement. This year, the App has been upgraded with separate versions for buyers and suppliers, offering more targeted features and improved functionality.