2025 Spring Canton Fair Kicks Off: Global Opportunities Converge in Guangzhou, Innovation and Openness Paint New Trade Landscape

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(Guangzhou, China, April 15, 2025) The 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) officially opened today at the Pazhou International Convention and Exhibition Center in Guangzhou. As a barometer of China’s foreign trade, this session, themed “Open Innovation, Shared Future,” spans 1.55 million square meters with 74,000 booths and has attracted a record-breaking 170,000 pre-registered overseas buyers from 210 countries and regions68.

Scale and Highlights: Tech-Driven Expansion

Held in three phases (April 15 to May 5), the fair focuses on “Advanced Manufacturing,” “Quality Home Living,” and “Better Life,” featuring 55 exhibition zones and 172 product categories. Over 31,000 enterprises are participating, an increase of 900 compared to the previous session57. Two new zones debut this year:

1. Service Robotics Zone: Showcasing cutting-edge AI applications in smart homes, healthcare, and logistics, highlighting China’s technological prowess67.
2. Prefabricated Housing Zone: Demonstrating green construction and modular designs integrated with renewable energy solutions7.
   Emerging industries like smart logistics, hydrogen energy, and digital factories also draw significant attention, with over 3,700 enterprises in “new three” sectors (electric vehicles, lithium batteries, solar panels) and smart manufacturing7.

Global Buyers Gather, Strengthening Belt and Road Ties

Among pre-registered buyers, 72% are from Belt and Road partner countries, 27.4% from BRICS nations, and 10.5% from Europe and North America8. Over 223 global retail giants, including Walmart, Carrefour, and Metro, have confirmed attendance78. More than 1,000 trade promotion events will be held, supported by an upgraded online platform and AI-powered matching systems to enhance efficiency6.

Logistics and Transportation: Smooth Operations

To manage peak traffic, Guangzhou traffic police implemented temporary controls around the exhibition area, with increased metro (Lines 8 and 11) and bus services prioritized36. Designated drop-off zones and five ride-hailing pickup points ensure orderly exits during evening rush hours3.

Regional Synergy: Macao Enterprises Embrace Global Stage

Following a promotional event co-hosted by Macao’s government and the China Foreign Trade Centre, Macao companies will showcase “Made-in-Macao” and “Designed-in-Macao” products, leveraging the “Macao+Hengqin” collaboration to expand international markets2.

Conclusion
The Canton Fair remains a vital hub for global trade cooperation. With innovation and openness at its core, this session injects confidence and momentum into the world’s economic recovery.

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Sources: Integrated from official announcements and reports by China News Service, Guangzhou Daily, and Xinhua. For detailed schedules and exhibitor lists, visit Canton Fair Official Website.