Digital technologies facilitate efficient business cooperation at Canton Fair

Clothing buyers from across the world can now reach a deal faster at the ongoing 136th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, as an increasing number of exhibitors now choose to digitalize their products, which provides buyers with plenty of detailed and visible data to facilitate their decision-making process.

The fair, which is widely considered as a barometer of the country’s foreign trade, is held biannually in the country’s southern trade hub Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province.

First launched in 1957, the event has been helping gather and connect worldwide purchasers to have face-to-face conservation before reaching a deal.

At this year’s event, some of the garment businessmen said with the help of digital technologies, they are cooperating with potential business partners more efficiently.

By scanning QR codes, clothing buyers coming to the Fair can now have all the information ranging from fabrics to prices of their preferred clothes.

“Previously, if our customers liked one of our garment samples, they might ask us to proof it. The process took at least one to two weeks. But now by proofing it digitally, we can finish the whole process in an instant,” said Li Yanzhou, an exhibitor.

Amazed by the efficiency, some purchasers said they are now planning to adopt 3D proofing technologies in their business, too.

“I’m really happy to see the 3D technology that you offer your customers, which I’m planning on using. That’s gonna be a tremendous benefit for us. That’s gonna shorten the lead time on fit approvals and on getting the garment where we need it to be,” said Fernando Hector Machado, an exhibitor from the United States.

An increasing number of the exhibitors is also using a cross-border e-commerce platform offered by the Canton Fair to attract as much attention as possible before engaging in face-to-face business talk to reach a final deal.

“Over 60 percent of the attending enterprises are using the cross-border e-commerce platform to promote their goods to foreign purchasers. It stands as an example of the cooperation between the traditional exhibition industry and the industry of cross-border e-commerce. The adoption of cross-border e-commerce platform also helps bring more business opportunities to the attending enterprises,” said Zhou Yuling, staff of the China Foreign Trade Center, organizer of the Canton Fair.

Digital technologies facilitate efficient business cooperation at Canton Fair

A large number of exhibitors are participating in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), with both newcomers and returning exhibitors bringing a great variety of products, including many debuts.

Themed “New Era, Shared Future”, the 7th CIIE opened at 10:00 Tuesday in Shanghai.

A total of 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions have signed up to participate in the CIIE this year, with both numbers exceeding those of the previous session. The participants include 297 Fortune 500 companies and other industry leaders, setting a historical high. A total of 186 companies and institutions have participated in all seven sessions.

Dublin-based automotive technology company Aptiv participates in the CIIE for the first time this year, bringing its automotive intelligence and electrification products, with many exhibits and technologies being released for the first time.

“We have noticed the positive impact the CIIE has brought to global trade over the years, and China’s automobile industry is also developing rapidly. So we want to use this excellent platform of the CIIE to conduct more in-depth exchanges and cooperation with companies from various countries including China,” said Jiang Weihao, active safety and user experience technical manager of Aptiv China.

Ebara, a global industrial machinery manufacturer with a history of more than 100 years, brings more than 45 exhibits to this CIIE, in which technical products such as hydrogen energy solutions and liquid hydrogen booster pumps are exhibited in China for the first time.

“The CIIE is a platform for trade, culture and technology exchanges, and we have seen results over the years. China’s efforts in opening-up are increasing, and its sci-tech innovation capabilities are constantly improving, providing companies with complete services and policy support, giving them confidence in development,” said Ou Lei, general manager of business planning of Ebara China.

The CIIE not only attracts new friends, but also brings back a group of old friends. In the service trade exhibition area, the Piraeus Port Authority, manager and operator of Greece’s largest port, is participating in the CIIE for the seventh time this year.

“After the first time of the Piraeus Port Authority in the CIIE, we noticed that we have an increase in our container throughput. We have 40 percent of (containers) from the Chinese market. For that reason, Piraeus Port Authority wants to be here in order to expand its knowledge, its experience to meet new partnerships, not only in Chinese market, but in every foreign market,” said a staff member of Piraeus Port Authority.

7th CIIE showcases diverse products from new and returning exhibitors