Fair keeps adapting to increase influence

Adhering to innovation and moving with the times are the main reasons why the Canton Fair constantly grows in scale and influence. 

This is especially true in the 21st century, where fundamental changes have taken place in Chinese and global economies.

China joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, which integrated the country with the global economy.

With skyrocketing exports resulting from its entry to the WTO, China saw its trade surplus rapidly grow in the 2000s.

For a balance in trade, the Canton Fair began holding an import show from its101st session in April 2007. The official name of the event was changed from China Export Commodity Fair to China Import and Export Fair.

The import show has offered a platform for overseas manufacturers to access the Chinese market. As a result, Chinese consumers have been provided with a wider choice as there are more diversified commodities available from overseas.

The Canton Fair has given added support to businesses from less-developed economies. For instance, during the 103rd Canton Fair in 2008, organizers offered free exhibition spaces to businesses from least-developed countries, including Nepal and Tanzania.

At the 116th session in 2014, the Canton Fair began new attempts to better connect buyers and suppliers from home and abroad.

During that event, exhibitors from China and overseas began to use the same exhibition halls to display their products. This offered more opportunities for networking and collaboration between buyers and suppliers as well as upstream and downstream players. Before this session, the export and import shows were held in separated venues.