The 136th Canton Fair. (Photo/CFP)
For more than 60 years, the Canton Fair, held in southern China, has accompanied nearly every step of China's journey toward modernization. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee emphasized that China's path to modernization has progressed continuously through reform and opening-up, which will further unlock vast opportunities. The Canton Fair has not only played a vital role in China's modernization but has also contributed significantly to the development of many countries worldwide. With its mission to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and other nations and its vision of shared growth, the Canton Fair belongs not only to China but also to the world.
The Canton Fair resonates with China's modernization process, unleashing the powerful force of the "China Engine" onto the global stage. China's modernization is deeply intertwined with global integration, as opening-up drives development by optimizing and efficiently utilizing resources through the flow of capital, technology, and talent. The economies of all countries are interdependent, sharing mutual growth and prosperity. Today, China is profoundly integrated into the global economy, providing affordable goods through its comprehensive manufacturing sector. At the Canton Fair, the "old three kinds" have evolved into the "new three kinds," with small brands growing into major players and "Made in China" transforming into both "Intelligent Manufacturing in China" and "Created in China." As the quality of Chinese products continues to advance, there is an urgent need for more innovative products and technologies to enter international markets. Amid China's active participation in economic globalization and high-level opening-up, the Canton Fair serves as a bridge, drawing global attention and investment. This year's offline Canton Fair hosted over 30,000 exhibitors, with frequent announcements of new transactions: Nigerian buyers purchased a classic new-energy vehicle for USD 6,000 on-site, Saudi businesses acquired goods for national projects, and "guochao" (Chinese fashion trend) products garnered over RMB 9 million in orders. Through the Canton Fair, more brands are smoothly entering international markets, showcasing the robust "China Engine" on the world stage and pushing forward China's modernization journey.
The Canton Fair brings together developing countries, establishing itself as a critical platform for the Belt and Road Initiative to share growth opportunities. Over the past 60 years, the Canton Fair has grown from hosting 1,200 buyers from 19 countries and regions in its first session to attracting more than 200,000 overseas buyers from over 200 countries and regions today, living up to its name as "China's No. 1 Fair." The Canton Fair's development parallels the growth journey of many nations. In the past, the Fair primarily served as a window for China's market expansion into Europe and the United States; today, it fosters greater collaboration between Chinese businesses and developing nations. Notably, buyers from Belt and Road countries now account for over 65 percent of attendees, reflecting the strong confidence and proactive participation of these countries in seeking new opportunities. Many Belt and Road nations have benefited from partnerships with China and have become loyal supporters of the Canton Fair. Over the years, the Canton Fair has witnessed major milestones: from the establishment of Mauritius and the growing trade volume between the two countries to record-high levels, to the 20th anniversary of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF), which saw the continued deepening of cooperation and shared responsibility in global governance. It has also witnessed the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where China and African nations joined hands for a better future. It has witnessed the successful holding of 11 sessions of the Central Asia Cooperation Forum, and China and the Central Asian countries have walked hand in hand through the golden 30 years, bringing more benefits to the people. Additionally, China's trade volume with Malaysia soared from under USD 200 million at the time of establishing diplomatic relations to USD 190.24 billion in 2023, marking a 950-fold increase.
The Canton Fair has become a blueprint for common development, even as geopolitical shifts and growing uncertainties impact the world. Yet, the Canton Fair continues to demonstrate openness and China's commitment to modernization and shared growth. In this context, the Canton Fair serves as an increasingly vital hub, solidifying China's contributions to the global economy and offering a roadmap for mutually beneficial development. While the global trading system led by Western powers has spurred capitalist globalization, it has also created barriers for developing nations. However, with the advancement of China's modernization path and the Belt and Road Initiative, Third World countries now have new avenues for globalization, promoting shared progress and prosperity. As Chinese President Xi Jinping has said, "Humankind is a community with a shared future. China can only do well when the world is doing well. When China does well, the world will get even better. By working together on the Belt and Road, China has opened its doors even wider." Canton Fair enables people in developing countries to access Chinese mobile phones, home appliances, and vehicles accelerating their entry into the digital age. Through the Canton Fair, overseas buyers from Third World nations visit factories in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhanjiang, placing orders that not only mark personal business success but also deepen their countries' participation in global economic integration.
One hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden. Chinese modernization is not a zero-sum game; it's a journey toward shared prosperity, where all thrive together. The Canton Fair embodies the Chinese path to modernization, and through decades of practice, it has guided many nations toward growth and modernization. As a window of China's reform and opening up, Guangdong has always been at the forefront, serving as both a "testing ground" and "southern gateway," reaffirming its commitment to a high level of openness and integration into the global economy. As President Xi Jinping has noted, "In the pursuit of happiness, no country or people should be left behind." On this new journey in a new era, the Canton Fair remains committed to its historic mission of achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes with the world, advancing alongside other nations, and writing a new chapter of shared development.
The article is contributed to GDToday by the School of Journalism and Communication, Jinan University.
Author | Zhang Jieying, Wei Siyu, Lin Ruiyuan
Editor | Yuan Zixiang, Liu Xiaodi, James, Shen He
