Online event illuminates businesses to new clients

Due to the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic from the beginning of this year, the China Import and Export Fair moved online.

According to exhibitors at the biannual event also known as the Canton Fair, the cloud Canton Fair has offered them new ways of marketing and opportunities to win clients.

Fukang Metal Products based in Dingzhou, Hebei province, is a manufacturer of metal mesh products. It is exhibiting nearly 400 types of products during the online Canton Fair that started on Oct 15.

Li Guang, general manager of the company, said Fukang has been a frequent exhibitor at the Canton Fair, since it first participated in the event in 2006.

“From its brick-and-motor Pazhou exhibition center in Guangzhou, to the cloud event, the Canton Fair has become an indispensable part of our growth. The fair has brought more than 90 percent of our clients and orders,” Li said.

Li added that the Canton Fair has brought three benefits to the company.

“It helps us access to high-quality buyers. Through the fair, we have seen a rapid growth in exports, with export volume surpassing 100 million yuan ($14.8 million) last year,” Li said.

The other benefits include constant upgrades to production after the company learned new information about international markets and broadened its vision through exchanges with counterparts and partners at the fair, according to Li.

The executive said this year’s online event has helped Fukang develop new marketing channels and accelerate its pace toward digitalization.

Zhejiang-based Xinxin Home Decor Products is an exhibitor with a 15-year presence at the fair.

Shen Qiang, director for foreign trade at Xinxin, said the company has caught the attention of many buyers from the United States and Europe with its well-arranged exhibitions and high-quality products at previous fairs.

“We are making great efforts to adapt to the cloud Canton Fair and will use all kinds of digital tools to win global clients,” Shen said.

Shenchi Trading based in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, was founded in 2019 and is a newcomer to the Canton Fair.

The manufacturer of daily goods realized an export value of 5 million yuan in the first year of its establishment.

It has maintained a 200-percent year-on-year growth in exports to date this year.

Quan Bin, general manager of the company, said he has participated in Canton Fair since the 1990s when he worked for other companies. He knows the importance of the fair to an export-oriented business.

“We have made great efforts to take part in the fair and we made it this time.

“Our purpose is to make more friends and win more clients.

“Whether the fair is held online or offline, we will make the best use of the platform, Quan said.