On October 15, the 136th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, officially kicked off in Guangzhou, drawing the attention of global merchants and showcasing the vitality and resilience of what is often referred to as “China’s Number One Exhibition.” As the city buzzed with activity, it became a platform for demonstrating China’s open and inclusive approach, reflecting the country’s confidence on the world stage.
During the fair, reporters noted an impressive array of new companies, products, technologies, and business models that attracted many domestic and international visitors. The first phase of this year’s fair emphasizes “advanced manufacturing,” highlighting cutting-edge industries and supportive technologies. With over 8,700 booths dedicated to themes like electronics, home appliances, new energy, smart transportation, and industrial automation, approximately 3,600 companies showcased innovations related to digital technology and smart manufacturing, aimed at boosting China’s manufacturing capabilities within the global industrial and value chains.
**New Products and Opportunities**
The theme of “new” resonates throughout the fair. This year’s event features over 1,300 first-time exhibitors and more than 4,200 quality enterprises recognized as national high-tech firms, industry champions, and specialized innovative leaders—an increase of 1,200 from the previous year. A variety of brand-new products and technologies are making their debut, presenting fresh experiences and business opportunities.
“We’re excited to introduce our new 40V high-energy lithium battery series designed for continuous heavy-duty conditions. This series features our self-developed SECCT smart low-temperature quick charge technology, allowing the battery pack to charge from 0% to 80% in just 10 minutes. This significantly resolves the endurance issues facing lithium power tools, making it an ideal alternative to traditional electric tools,” said Zhang Qingxin, General Manager of the Overseas Marketing Division of Dayi Technology, a leading player in China’s lithium battery tool market.
At Dayi’s booth, numerous buyers tested the company’s 40V high-energy lithium products and praised their performance and quality, demonstrating China’s competitive edge in the global lithium battery tool market. Thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative and international trade fairs like the Canton Fair, the company has seen an impressive continuous growth rate of over 50% in overseas markets, with exports reaching countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Yemen, and Pakistan.
In the electric vehicle and smart transportation section, a new energy model from GAC Group captured attention. “Our second-generation AION V is the first global strategic model from the Aion brand and GAC’s first model aimed at the European market. This vehicle features extended range and rapid charging capabilities, allowing a range of up to 650 kilometers and quick charging that replenishes 330 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes,” a representative from GAC Group explained.
“This year marks our 26th participation in the Canton Fair. This platform allows us to better communicate our brand philosophy and advanced technologies to international consumers, deepening our presence in the overseas electric vehicle market,” they added.
As reporters explored the exhibition, they discovered new areas dedicated to hydrogen energy and energy storage products, which drew participation from over 110 new energy companies. The fair also featured nearly 400 companies showcasing smart living products, industrial robots, and intelligent manufacturing lines, with over 1,500 booths devoted to these themes. Many innovative products, including humanoid robots, smart devices, and autonomous vehicles, made their first appearances, attracting significant attention. Furthermore, this year’s fair introduced a virtual digital persona and a new app, boasting a record number of participating enterprises and products.
**Thoughtful Services Gain Merchant Approval**
“So convenient! So good!” was a common refrain among international exhibitors who shared their payment experiences at this year’s Canton Fair.
Optimizing payment services and enhancing payment convenience are effective measures to promote high-level openness and were key focuses for improving exhibitors’ satisfaction and trade outcomes at the fair.
“During the fair, Bank of Communications has been providing overseas visitors to China with convenient payment services. We’ve set up a dedicated payment assistance area at our booth,” a representative from the bank stated.
At their booth, a currency exchange machine attracted many attendees. “With valid identification, customers can exchange foreign cash for Chinese yuan and digital yuan. We accept various identification forms and support major currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and HKD,” they added.
Bank of China has also set up 15 cash counters, 7 ATMs, and upgraded 5 smart currency exchange machines to provide premium financial and non-financial services to all fair participants. Additionally, the Guangdong branch contributed by assisting the foreign trade center with documentation and fee services, deploying 100 POS systems to ensure an efficient payment process throughout the event.
In addition to enhancing payment convenience, the fair upgraded on-site services by adding documentation points, expanding food options, optimizing transport logistics, and improving the exhibition environment to provide more thoughtful and comprehensive services to participants.
The Canton Fair, known as “China’s largest fair,” not only reflects the enthusiasm and motivation behind China’s efforts to elevate the quality and stability of foreign trade but also highlights the country’s confidence in pursuing high-level openness and quality development. By fully embracing new opportunities and prioritizing attentive services, the 136th Canton Fair continues to connect with the global market, fostering mutual benefits and creating new avenues for growth in the “World Trade.”