On May 29th, the People’s Daily published an article titled “Embracing Opportunities in China to Advance Mutual Development,” the content of which is as follows:
In the Ganzhou International Port Area of Nankang District, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, cranes are loading and unloading containers of import and export goods.
Photographed by Zhu Haipeng (Image China).
Merlot (center) at the 135th Canton Fair venue.
Image provided by the interviewee.
The 135th Canton Fair’s second phase, featuring its garden, has lured a multitude of international purchasers.
Captured by Chen Chuhong.
Matthias (left)
Image provided by interviewee
A foreign procurer delves into the intricacies of a vehicle model at the New Energy Automobile Zone during the 135th Canton Fair.
Photographed by Liu Dawei, Xinhua News Agency.
The 135th Canton Fair is held at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou.
Photographed by Wang Meiyan, Image China.
Recently, the 135th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, concluded its proceedings in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The event witnessed a substantial offline export turnover amounting to $24.7 billion, marking a 10.7% increase from the previous edition. Additionally, the online platform facilitated export transactions worth $3.03 billion, a significant surge of 33.1% compared to the last session. Following the fair, various international merchants have scheduled visits to factories and stores, while others have returned to their respective countries to further negotiate and finalize orders. The spirit of collaboration continues to thrive. Many foreign participants at the fair expressed their unwavering confidence in the prospects of China’s economic development. They aspire to leverage platforms like the Canton Fair to expand their operations within China, embracing the myriad opportunities that the country offers. Their collective aim is to contribute positively to the global economic recovery and foster mutual development.
“China is a realm brimming with opportunities.”
“My story with China began in 2007 when I was working for a Brazilian home appliance company. My first visit to China was to attend the Canton Fair, seeking suitable component suppliers for the company,” shared Ronnie Melo, a Brazilian businessman known as the ‘old Canton Fair hand’. The interview took place in a café in Rio de Janeiro, where Melo recounted his journey that started seventeen years ago.
Reflecting on his initial impressions at the fair, Melo expressed awe at the scale and international scope of the Canton Fair. The diverse array of products and the bustling crowd at the exhibition deeply impressed upon him the vitality of the Chinese economy and the global impact of the Canton Fair. “China is a land brimming with opportunities, and I aspire to seize these opportunities,” Melo reflected, as the seeds of seeking development opportunities in China quietly took root in his heart. Since then, the Canton Fair has become a must-attend event for him each year.
Today, Melo holds the position of Director of Business for the Americas at an electrical appliance company in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, responsible for connecting with clients in the American market. In mid-April, Melo embarked on his Canton Fair journey once again. Early every day, as a representative of the exhibitors, Melo arrived at the exhibition hall, meticulously arranging the displayed products while warmly welcoming buyers from around the world. With remarkable cross-cultural communication skills, he fluently conversed with clients in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Whenever a client showed interest in the products, Melo actively approached to address queries, introduce product features, and attentively listen to their needs and suggestions. “I have made many new friends at the Canton Fair. Apart from exploring potential business collaborations, we share our respective countries’ cultures and customs, fostering understanding and friendship,” Melo remarked.
“In my view, innovation stands out as the highlight of this edition of the Canton Fair,” Melo shared his insights with the journalist. “Whether industrial automation products or smart home devices, they have left a profound impression on me. China’s technological innovation in the field of artificial intelligence provides more efficient and intelligent solutions for enterprises and households, promoting economic development and industrial transformation and upgrade, injecting new impetus into global economic growth.” Melo believes that the Canton Fair serves as a bridge for Chinese and companies from other countries worldwide, facilitating the exchange of information, technology, and experiences. Chinese enterprises showcase their products and services at the fair, attracting buyers from around the world and expanding international markets. Simultaneously, companies from various nations can find high-quality Chinese suppliers at the fair, engage in cooperation, and foster mutual development.
Over the span of seventeen years, Melo has visited China more than forty times, witnessing both the nation’s developmental journey and its strides in opening up to the world, as well as the growing global influence of the Canton Fair. He believes that the recent measures China has introduced to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals will further enhance the fair’s international stature. “I’ve noticed an increasing number of foreign buyers and exhibitors coming to Guangzhou. For Brazil, a significant change is that both countries have decided to issue multiple-entry visas valid for up to ten years to each other’s citizens for business, tourism, and visiting relatives. This creates favorable conditions for facilitating personnel exchanges, making it easier for more Brazilian businesspeople to attend the Canton Fair,” Melo explained.
Back in his office in Brazil just a few days later, he engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations with Brazilian clients he met at the fair, further discussing and confirming the details of orders. “China is Brazil’s largest trading partner, and there is enormous potential for economic cooperation between the two countries. We hope to introduce more high-quality, durable, and environmentally friendly Chinese products to Brazil, sharing the opportunities of China’s development with Brazilian enterprises,” he enthusiastically stated.
Having personally experienced China’s open-door policies and significant investment in technological innovation, Melo is full of confidence in the future of China’s economy. He expressed his intention to recommend more Brazilian friends to participate in trade activities in China, “I believe that through expanding cooperation with China, enterprises from both countries will achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, jointly promoting the prosperous development of the economies of both nations.”
“I hope to further expand our business in China.”
Diego Mateus, a Portuguese procurer, has been settled and working in Guangzhou since 2016, currently serving as the General Manager of the China office of the Portugal Joint Import and Export Limited Company. Established in Lisbon, Portugal in 2005, this international procurement and trade company caters to over 6,000 retail supermarkets across Europe and South America, providing a variety of products including kitchenware.
Mateus has just concluded his procurement activities at the Canton Fair, which constituted one of his most significant tasks in the first half of this year. “At the Canton Fair, we seek new products, grasp emerging trends, and, it can be said, the fair stands as one of our most crucial commercial platforms,” Mateus explained. He mentioned that the company’s founder had participated in the Canton Fair as early as 1993, and this event has provided many opportunities for the company in terms of procuring high-quality products, discovering new suppliers, and exploring potential business collaborations. “Our office is right in Pazhou, Guangzhou, just steps away from the fairgrounds. Here, we procure goods while establishing long-term partnerships with suppliers.”
Exchanging business cards, listening to product presentations from sales representatives, negotiating procurement details—Mateus’s primary task at the fair is to identify potential suppliers who meet the company’s standards in terms of product quality, pricing, production capacity, and compliance standards. During the fair, after concluding his daily activities at the exhibition hall, he returns to the office for brief meetings with colleagues, discussing highlights of the day and contacting suppliers to further discuss pricing for target products. “The progress of booked orders is quite satisfactory. Of course, post-fair follow-up is also crucial,” Mateus noted.
For Mateus, the Canton Fair brings not only a stream of orders but also opportunities for learning. “From technological innovations to environmental solutions, at the Canton Fair, companies can grasp emerging market trends and understand consumer preferences. The diverse range of products from various industries enriches our knowledge and provides valuable experiences to enhance our strategic procurement and business development plans. Each attendance is a valuable learning experience.” At the same time, as a world-leading trade platform, the Canton Fair encourages cross-border trade and serves as a nexus connecting enterprises worldwide, enjoying a good reputation globally. “I often recommend the Canton Fair to my counterparts in Portugal or other countries,” Mateus remarked.
“The economic development of China harbors many opportunities. China is not only a manufacturing powerhouse and an innovation hub but also the largest trading partner for many countries, attracting numerous investments and collaborations from around the world, offering optimistic business prospects for foreign enterprises,” Mateus believes. He notes that China boasts a favorable business environment, sound infrastructure, and high-quality labor force, making it an ideal destination for sourcing raw materials, components, and finished products. “China has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resilience, and creativity in addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable economic growth. Prioritizing technological innovation and high-quality development, China is poised to sustain its economic momentum, which will also foster inclusive growth in the global economy,” Mateus remarked.
In October, the 136th Canton Fair will be held in Guangzhou, and Mateus and his team will soon be immersed in preparations for participation. “The economic development of China will bring broader development prospects for foreign companies, including ours. We hope to further expand our business in China, increasing investment in talent development, market research, and strategic partnerships,” Mateus expressed his anticipation for the future.
