Chinese and British business leaders voiced strong expectations for the upcoming 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) at a promotion conference in London, with a sub-venue in Belfast. The event drew more than 200 representatives from government, business chambers, and enterprises.
Canton Fair’s Global Role
Li Nan, Consul General of China in Belfast, described the Canton Fair as a key platform for international trade and exchanges, noting its reach now spans buyers and exhibitors from over 200 countries and regions.
Li Peng, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the UK, emphasized that the fair’s import exhibition provides British companies a fast track into China’s vast consumer market, while also boosting their global footprint.
Growing Buyer Participation
According to Zhang Sihong, Deputy Director General of the China Foreign Trade Center, overseas buyer numbers have hit new highs in recent years, demonstrating China’s continued commitment to openness even amid global economic uncertainty.
- Jack Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group, called the fair a “stabilizer in global trade,” crucial at a time when protectionism and geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains.
- Peter McConvey, Director of Signature Works and a regular buyer, praised the fair’s scale, quality, and innovation, saying it supports long-term growth opportunities.
Li Peng encouraged more British firms to leverage the fair to strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners. Both sides highlighted the complementary strengths of their economies, particularly in building smarter, greener, and more resilient trade links.
Outlook
First launched in 1957, the Canton Fair is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou. The 2025 autumn edition will run from October to November, once again serving as a barometer for global trade momentum.
