132nd Canton Fair opens online

Trade show provides shining example for industry in wake of pandemic, promotes cooperation worldwide

By Yuan Shenggao 

The China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, kicks off its 132nd session online on Saturday.

Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao said at the virtual opening ceremony that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the Canton Fair. 

Wang noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping gave his full recognition of the important contribution made by the fair in his two congratulatory messages to the event and demanded that efforts be made to develop it into an important platform for promoting China’s all-around opening-up, high-quality international trade and the “dual circulation” of domestic and international markets.

Premier Li Keqiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 130th Canton Fair in 2021 and expressed his hope that the event will go from strength to strength.

Committed to its motto of “Canton Fair, Global Share”, the Canton Fair has witnessed the deep economic and trade integration between China and the rest of the world.

“Numerous Chinese and foreign companies have become a part of China’s opening-up drive through participating in the Canton Fair, and have achieved common growth,” Wang noted. “The Canton Fair set a precedent for holding large-scale conventions and exhibitions online in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has effectively promoted trade, communication and cooperation between China and other countries.”

He said the Ministry of Commerce will redouble its efforts to ensure stable production and smooth-running logistics to serve foreign trade, develop new trading models such as cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehousing, and promote innovative trading by making use of important platforms such as the Canton Fair.

China is ready to work with all parties to safeguard the multilateral trading system, promote free trade, and contribute to the recovery and growth of the global economy and the well-being of peoples of all countries, Wang added.

He stressed that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which will map out blueprints for the country’s future, is soon to be held. At this new, historic starting point, he said he hopes that the Canton Fair will continue to serve as a bridge among traders and as an enabler of friendships, keep pace with the times and achieve innovative development. 

Wang Weizhong, governor of Guangdong province, said in his address at the opening ceremony that the Canton Fair is an important channel for China’s foreign trade and an important window for showcasing China’s opening-up to the outside world. 

The governor noted that President Xi stressed in a congratulatory message to the 130th Canton Fair that the event should serve the new development paradigm, innovate new mechanisms and enrich formats and functions.

Thanks to the concerted action of all parties, he noted, the Canton Fair has seen its influence and exemplary role grow continuously over the years, and has played an important role in facilitating international trade and promoting economic growth. 

“The 132nd Canton Fair is ready, and it will provide Chinese and foreign traders with a richer selection of commodities and a better experience,” Wang Weizhong said.

Chu Shijia, secretary-general of the fair and director of the China Foreign Trade Centre, presided over the opening ceremony.  

Usually held twice a year in Guangzhou, capital city of South China’s Guangdong province, the Canton Fair has set up 50 exhibition sections for 16 categories of commodities in its 132nd edition. The online exhibition will last until March 15 next year.