The first phase of the 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, opened in Guangzhou on Oct. 15, drawing large crowds of buyers and exhibitors. Participation by buyers from countries and regions along the Belt and Road routes has increased significantly.
As a key window for China's opening-up, the Canton Fair continues to showcase how Chinese manufacturing is reaching global markets. Hong Kong, with its distinctive strengths in internationalization, professionalism and market-oriented services, is playing a key role as a "super connector" and "super value-adder", linking mainland companies with global markets, international resources and channels for commercializing technological innovations.
The city has become an important source of support for foreign trade companies seeking to expand markets, secure orders and strengthen innovation at this year's fair. Several interviewed exporters said HK's diverse business, technology and distribution resources had helped them offset some of the risks arising from volatility in overseas markets, enter emerging markets and secure new orders, providing fresh momentum for steady foreign trade growth.
This year's Canton Fair is being held in three phases, covering an exhibition area of 1.55 million square metres. More than 30,000 companies are expected to participate throughout the event, with around 340,000 overseas buyers projected to attend.
The first phase, themed "advanced manufacturing", features 19 exhibition sections across five major sectors: electronics and household appliances, industrial automation, lighting and electrical equipment, hardware and tools, and new energy vehicles and smart mobility. More than 6,000 high-quality exhibitors, including high-tech enterprises, specialized and sophisticated companies producing novel and unique products, and single-product champions, are taking part.
HK platform helps drone technology reach Dubai
Amid shifts in overseas market conditions, HK's role as a "super connector" has become increasingly evident, providing companies with a springboard to overcome challenges and tap new sources of growth.
Zhang Kai, vice-president of Guangzhou Chengzhi Intelligent Machinery Technology Co Ltd, expressed his gratitude for the additional orders his company had secured through HK's role as a platform for mainland businesses expanding overseas.
He said his company had previously worked with relevant HK government departments on an emergency rescue project. The system can detect mobile phone signals from people who have gone missing in emergencies and activate rescue operations. Chengzhi Intelligent is the supplier of the drone detection equipment used in the solution.
"Relevant government departments not only procured our solution but also actively promoted the technology to international markets, helping mainland technological innovations go global," Zhang said.
At a drone exhibition in Dubai in the first half of this year, HK organizations introduced the search-and-rescue solution to relevant Dubai authorities, attracting considerable interest and leading to cooperation. Chengzhi Intelligent supplied the drone detection equipment for the project, which generated approximately RMB 1 million in revenue for the company.
"HK's international outlook and global promotional capabilities are unique. Many high-quality mainland technologies lack channels for international communication, while HK can connect them precisely with global resources, helping innovative solutions reach the world and gain international recognition," Zhang said.
The search-and-rescue solution has won several international innovation awards, demonstrating the value of HK as a gateway for mainland technological achievements to reach overseas markets, he added.
With the help of such initiatives, the company's orders from emerging markets increased by 70 to 80 percent this year, helping offset a downturn in the North American market.
"Our overall overseas revenue and profit targets for this year remain at last year's levels. We hope to achieve business growth next year, with total annual sales expected to remain at around RMB 100 million," Zhang said.
HK's innovation ecosystem supports global R&D
Beyond helping businesses expand overseas and broaden their distribution channels, HK's strong technology resources and well-developed innovation ecosystem are also supporting Canton Fair exhibitors in upgrading their technologies and establishing global research and development operations.
Li Gang, a business representative of Canton Fair exhibitor HiTHIUM Energy Storage, told DotDotNews that the company was making full use of HK's innovation resources and planned to establish an international innovation centre in the HK Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone, focusing on long-duration energy storage technologies.
Li said the company had maintained close contact with HK's innovation parks and relevant government departments, becoming deeply integrated into the city's innovation ecosystem.
In the future, the proposed international innovation centre will work alongside the company's three R&D centres in Xiamen, Chongqing and Shenzhen, with each taking on a distinct role while coordinating their efforts.
By leveraging HK's strengths as an international hub, together with the unique geographical advantages of the Hetao area, which spans both sides of the Shenzhen River, the centre will connect with the Greater Bay Area's comprehensive supply chain and global innovation resources to support the company's international expansion, Li said.
Global buyers recognize HK's role
HK's value as a "super connector" has also won broad recognition from international buyers.
Chawanus Boonyavanich, a buyer from Thailand whose business focuses on sourcing ventilation systems, told DotDotNews that he had attended the Canton Fair for many years. In addition to visiting the exhibition in Guangzhou, he travels to HK every year.
HK's status as an international financial centre, with a large number of international banks, makes it particularly convenient for buyers engaged in foreign trade, he said.
He also highlighted the city's importance as an international aviation hub.
"Whenever I fly to China, whether to visit factories or attend the Canton Fair, my flight always stops in HK first. The services provided by HK airlines and Hong Kong International Airport are top-notch, making it very convenient for overseas buyers to connect to mainland cities," he said.
The fair has also attracted a number of buyers from HK, who are actively promoting quality "Made in China" products to help mainland goods reach global markets.
Du Shiming, a HK buyer whose business focuses on importing white sugar for food consumption, is among them. He is attending this year's fair to source high-quality food products and expand overseas distribution channels.
Du told DotDotNews that HK serves as an important bridge for cross-border trade, with its "super connector" advantage reflected in its unique position in facilitating two-way import and export flows. Its international financial infrastructure and diverse trade portfolio are particularly valuable, he said.
"HK has international advantages in cross-border trade. HK buyers play a key role in entrepot trade, helping mainland companies overcome barriers to market access and accelerate their expansion into emerging markets in Central and South America, Africa and Southeast Asia," Du said.
(Reporters: Lu Jingyi, Li Ziyan, Shuai Cheng; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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