On October 19, the first phase of the 136th Canton Fair came to a close, welcoming over 130,000 overseas buyers from 211 countries and regions, with a marked 4.6% increase compared to the previous session.

Among them, buyers from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative exceeded 90,000, accounting for 69.7%, with a growth of 6.8%. BRICS country buyers were around 30,000, accounting for 22.5%, with a 5.5% increase; buyers from Europe and America were about 24,000, accounting for 18.1%, with a 4.8% increase; buyers from the Middle East were around 20,000, accounting for 14.7%, with a 44.2% increase. Many exhibitors reported that overseas buyers attending this session had clear purchasing objectives and a strong willingness to place orders, reflecting their trust in Chinese suppliers and products.

The first phase of the Fair focused on advanced manufacturing. The manufacturing sector is accelerating its ascent to the mid-to-high end of the industrial and value chains, enhancing Chinese enterprises' independent innovation capabilities and core competitiveness. Approximately 3,600 enterprises focused on digital technology and intelligent manufacturing, with 57.8% utilizing technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and the industrial internet to transform and upgrade the industrial chain. High-tech and high-value products such as smart home appliances, new energy vehicles, industrial automation equipment, humanoid robots, intelligent bionic hands, and hydrogen bicycles were highly favored.

At this year's Canton Fair, online and offline integration was enhanced. All onsite exhibitors also showcased their products online, with a total of 800,000 products uploaded during the first phase, attracting 343,000 overseas visitors. The cross-border e-commerce exhibition area was optimized, introducing seven leading cross-border e-commerce platforms and 34 supporting service providers.

The various services provided by Canton Fair were also highly recognized by the guests. Trade services were expanded by introducing 229 companies in financial insurance, testing and certification, logistics and warehousing, and business consulting to provide a full chain of trade services for exhibitors and buyers. Upgrades to services such as accreditation, payment, transportation, and catering made exhibitors and buyers feel at home.

As the first phase concludes with a satisfactory ending, the second phase of the 136th Canton Fair is going to be held from October 23 to 27, themed "Quality Home," focusing on the following major sectors: household goods, gifts and decorations, and building materials and furniture, spreading across 15 exhibition areas. 10,040 onsite exhibitors, including 267 companies from 33 countries and regions, are also going to participate in the import exhibition. Global business professionals are welcome to join the Canton Fair and share global business opportunities!