“The Canton Fair has begun!” Arthur Guimarães, General Manager of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Brazil (CCCB), excitedly wrote in his WeChat moments.
The 136th Canton Fair has once again demonstrated its significance as a vital platform for international trade, facilitating connections between international buyers and Chinese suppliers, including businesses from Brazil.
“We support Brazilian companies that want to find reliable partners here in China,” Arthur said. The CCCB, which he represents, is one of the official partners of the Canton Fair in Brazil. Their main objective is to help and support Brazilian companies doing business in China and also assist Chinese companies doing business in Brazil.
(Photo provided by the interviewee)
Canton Fair provides unlimited product options
In 2017, Arthur attended the Canton Fair for the first time. Since then, he has been attending and supporting almost every session over these years. “I’ve come here about 15 times,” he said.
The fair showcases a wide range of sectors. Arthur emphasized that Brazilian companies often seek opportunities in the fields of electronics, renewable energy, and machinery.
“I’m very shocked by the enormity of Canton Fair because every attendee tries to convey its magnitude. But you can only realize that when you do come here,” he said.
Area D, which was put into use in 2023, has quickly become a favorite among Brazilian companies. At the 136th Canton Fair, it features over 2,500 exhibitors and more than 4,500 booths. This area primarily showcases the latest advancements in advanced manufacturing from China, including computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools and digital factories. A common characteristic of these products is their high level of technology and rapid product iteration.
According to Arthur, the Canton Fair serves as a crucial meeting point where buyers and suppliers can establish partnerships. He said, “Every Brazilian buyer who attends the Canton Fair encounters countless options for every product they are looking for. It’s one of the best places to find trustworthy partners.”
(Photo provided by the interviewee)
Better services enable easier deal-making at Canton Fair
According to Arthur, prior to each Canton Fair, the CCCB conducts workshops and training sessions in Brazil to equip companies with essential skills and knowledge.
One of the aspects that impressed him the most was how professional suppliers are becoming as the market becomes increasingly competitive. “We see a lot of similar products in one pavilion, so it’s very common to have twenty or thirty suppliers offering the same solutions or products,” Arthur said.
“For example, in the energy sector, I saw a Chinese supplier with a catalog entirely in Portuguese, which is our language in Brazil. So for me, it was one of the first times that I saw a company really prepare to attract Brazilian buyers because they know there are a lot of Brazilian buyers coming and they are interested in this sector,” he said.
Speaking of the changes at the Canton Fair in recent years, Arthur noted, “Every year, we have seen more and more improvements aimed at enhancing the experience for buyers.”
Looking ahead, Arthur is optimistic about the future of China-Brazil trade relations, particularly in sectors such as energy and agriculture. “The Canton Fair will remain a vital platform for bridging the gap between Brazilian buyers and Chinese suppliers, facilitating efficient and reliable business connections,” he concluded.
