“I remember the sheer size of the fair and being struck by the cutting-edge technologies on display,” said Fahad Javaid, a passionate buyer from Pakistan, as he vividly described his first impressions of the Canton Fair. When he first attended the event in 2015, he remarked, “It was fantastic to see products such as 3D printing and solar technologies for the first time,” he added.
Javaid has been living in China for almost 10 years, and he is now working as a marketing manager for a Chinese sourcing company based in Zhejiang province. He said the Canton Fair has been a significant factor in his life choices, leading him to grow from an exchange student to a specialist in the import and export business, particularly in home decor items.
The transformation from a student to a buyer
When Javaid first heard about the Canton Fair in 2013, he was an exchange student in Guilin, Guangxi. A friend who had attended the Canton Fair returned and told Javaid that it was the largest trade fair in the world. After that, he started searching for it further.
Javaid said, “What fascinates me is that it’s been taking place since 1957. It’s a very special fair that allows many people from all over the world to gather in one location, where they can explore all the new technologies and features in the products. I believe that is what sparked my interest in learning more and more about it.”
When selecting a university for his MBA studies, the Canton Fair significantly influenced his decision.
In 2015, as a student at Jinan University, Javaid attended the Canton Fair and approached numerous booths with curiosity. He meticulously took notes, recorded videos, and gathered supplier information, which would later become invaluable in his career.
Every time he steps into the Canton Fair Complex, Javaid enjoys meeting people from different countries and chatting with them to learn about what’s happening in their nations and their interests. “That embodies ‘global share’—Canton Fair’s slogan,” he said. As of today, Javaid’s primary target markets include European countries, the United Kingdom, and South American countries such as Mexico and Argentina. His dedication to understanding various market dynamics allows him to cater to diverse consumer needs.
New technologies adopted to help buyers seize opportunities
Javaid’s story is not just about his personal growth; it mirrors the evolution of the Canton Fair as well. He recalled how advancements, such as mobile apps and QR codes, changed the attendees’ experiences.
He witnessed a surge of AI applications in various products, including robotics, home appliances, and computer gadgets. Noteworthy innovations featured AI-enabled televisions and smart home devices.
Reflecting on the fair’s future development, Javaid said, “The introduction of the new area, namely Area D, and enhanced organization demonstrate the fair’s success and adaptability.” He believes that as technology continues to evolve, so will the Canton Fair, remaining a vital hub for innovation and commerce.
Beyond his import-export business, Javaid has carved out a niche for himself as a social media content creator. With over 100,000 followers on different social media platforms, Javaid is committed to authenticity.
“I believe the Canton Fair is improving with each session. I consistently observe new technologies and products emerging. This highlights the significant amount of research and development occurring in China and identifies which suppliers are capable of manufacturing these innovative products,” he concluded.
