First phase of 140th Canton Fair concludes with 189,000 buyers

The first phase of the 140th session of the China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, concluded on Oct 19 in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, with an increased number of international buyers.

As of Monday, 189,000 buyers from 214 countries and regions participated, an increase of 13.3 percent compared with the first phase of the last spring session, according to the event's organizers.

Held twice a year in spring and autumn, respectively, the fair is seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade, as it has become one of the largest foreign trade events in terms of the number of foreign buyers and domestic exhibitors.

Centered around the theme of advanced manufacturing, the first phase aligned with industrial and trade trends, showcasing the latest achievements in electronics and home appliances, industrial automation, lighting, hardware tools, new energy vehicles, and smart mobility.

More than 12,000 Chinese companies participated, demonstrating the resilience and dynamism of China's foreign trade, the organizers said.

Of the exhibitors, over 6,000 high-quality companies are recognized for their high-tech, specialized, and innovative products, as well as their status as single-item champions.

The fair has three phases in each session. Its second phase, themed around home living, will showcase a wide range of home categories starting on Oct 23.