Rural businesses finding overseas clients at Canton Fair

Amid a wave of rural revitalization, the 129th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has debuted a rural revitalization exhibition, as part of its efforts to support such businesses in exploring overseas opportunities.

The exhibition is designed as a trading platform for companies in the areas that have been lifted out of poverty with no threshold or fees charged, organizers said.

One of the exhibitors is Qiqi, a Hunan-based tech company engaged in developing crafts of the Miao ethnic group.

“This series of bags and suitcases are our self-developed products. The Ruihu chest bag is co-launched by Alibaba Design, Alibaba Philanthropy and packaging designer TigerPan Lab,” said a livestream host who promoted the products.

Luo Jing, operation manager of the company, said through the Canton Fair platform, the company has had the opportunity to demonstrate the handicrafts of the ethnic group to overseas buyers.

“This time, we brought products of more than 20 categories including bags, suitcases and artificial flowers, with 90 percent of the new arrivals catering to the needs of domestic and overseas markets,” Luo said.

“Our products have won likes from regular and new clients and we hope to attract more overseas customers to help promote the rural industry and provide people in rural areas with more jobs,” Luo added.

Another exhibitor in the section, Chengde Shenli Food, is promoting its chestnut products through livestreaming.

Based in Hebei province, the company focuses on food processing. It helps local farmers increase their income by purchasing chestnuts from them.

Yu Hailong, a manager of Shenli, said that in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has taken part in online exhibitions to find new clients.

“The rural revitalization exhibition of the fair has set a targeted space for companies in areas getting rid of poverty like us and help us to develop business in international markets,” Yu said.

“Promoting products via the online platform of the Canton Fair also helps to build trust between overseas buyers and businesses in rural areas,” Yu added.

Canton Fair Call Centre

Canton Fair Hong Kong Representative Office