Chinese exporters upbeat as Canton Fair opens to foreign visitors for first time in 3 years

Over 100,000 foreign visitors are expected at the trade fair, which opened on Saturday and is a key platform for the country’s exporters

While many exhibitors said they were optimistic about their prospects, some said there were notably fewer foreign buyers compared with pre-pandemic levels

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It was the first time in three years that visitors were allowed to attend the fair. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 10:00pm, 15 Apr 2023Updated: 2:10pm, 9 May 2023

Chinese exporters expressed cautious optimism about the business outlook despite a slowing global economy and slack orders from Western countries as China’s largest trade expo allowed visitors to attend in person for the first time in three years.

Exporter Natalie Yang said she was eager to introduce foreign buyers to her products, a range of different vacuum cleaners, at the Canton Fair at the opening day on Saturday.

“After three years, people are finally out, and it feels like the atmosphere is bubbling,” said Yang from Shenzhen-based Jashen Technology, which designs and makes smart home appliances.

“I am optimistic about the outlook. At the very least, now that the borders have reopened, the distance between us and our foreign friends has been shortened, unlike in the past few years, it was difficult for me or them to come to the other country.”

The Canton Fair, which started in 1957, remains a key platform for Chinese exporters to showcase products even in the era of e-commerce.

Over the past three years visitors were only allowed to attend remotely, but this year, the government said more than 100,000 buyers from over 200 countries would attend the event in the southern city of Guangzhou in person.

The expo, which runs until May 5, is the largest trade event held in China since it relaxed its border restrictions and coronavirus curbs.