Canton Fair sees increased attendees during its second phase

An increased number of overseas buyers registered for the second phase of the ongoing 134th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, showing greater interest in partnerships with Chinese exporters, according to the event's organizers.

As of Thursday, some 155,000 overseas buyers from 214 countries and regions have attended the event, an increase of more than 50 percent compared with the same phase of the last session of the fair, the organizers said.

The fair's second phase, which covers a total exhibition area of 515,000 square meters with 9,674 exhibitors, is scheduled to conclude on Friday. It mainly focuses on exhibitions featuring household goods, gifts and decorations, building materials and furniture.

The fair, seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade, is usually held twice each year, once in spring and once it autumn, in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province.

"We are busy all day introducing our products and service during the fair, as there have been an increased number of old and new customers visiting our booth," said She Ruifen, marketing director of the overseas business department of Oppein, a leading Chinese kitchen and customized home decoration service provider.

The Guangzhou-based company has more than 180 overseas outlets in 97 countries and regions. Its exhibition displays its whole-house customization products and services. The company's overseas business revenues increased about 66 percent year-on-year to $33 million in the first three quarters of 2023, according to She.

"We have had more opportunities to negotiate with foreign customers since the beginning of this year, following adjustments of the prevention and control policy of the global COVID-19 pandemic," said She.

Early sources with the event's organizers said the number of registered buyers from Europe and the United States, key trade partners of China, increased 8.6 percent compared to the last session held in spring.

Meanwhile, the number of registered buyers from countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership increased by 11.2 percent and 13.8 percent, respectively.