CIEF’s offerings reach new heights, participants say

The 128th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has helped exhibitors achieve great results in foreign trade thanks to its superior online platforms, company representatives said.

Tongli Industrial Co, a manufacturer and exporter of lifting equipment and industrial tools, has upgraded its virtual reality presentation through the online platform of the Canton Fair, giving customers a 360-degree view of its products.

The fair has improved its online platform, helping exhibitors and buyers to conduct better communication, the company said.

During the 128th Canton Fair, Tongli has received $630,000, orders, a company representative said.

According to the Guangdong trading delegation, its member companies have given feedback that this version of the Canton Fair promoted an efficient connection between exhibitors and buyers thanks to its improved online functions.

“The upgraded online Canton Fair has helped us show our products to global buyers via digital platforms. This is more convenient than the last online fair,” said a manager at Eternal (Guangdong) Tech Electric Co.

The company said it has attracted nearly a dozen buyers from countries and regions including South America and Southeast Asia.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the online Canton Fair has also provided a new arena for foreign trading companies, an organizer said.

Shanghai Xifan International Trade, a garment manufacturer and importer, showcases a down jacket developed by the company.

The thermal jacket became popular with customers after being demonstrated in a company’s livestream, a company manager said.

The company attracted lots of new customers through its four to five livestreams per day during the fair.

“We communicated with more than 20 buyers, and one of our regular clients signed an order worth more than $20,000 as a result of our livestreaming,” the manager said.

Data from the Tianjin trading delegation show that, as of Oct 22, the group has received potential deals worth $120 million.

The online Canton Fair encourages  corporations to strive for better development under a new situation, trading group exhibitors said. They hope the event continues its online model to play a bigger role with its offline exhibition after the pandemic.