Canton Fair's global footprint continues to grow

The 137th edition of the Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair), which opened on Tuesday, is a testament to the longevity and growing appeal of the biannual event.

The Canton Fair, which started in 1957, is held in spring and autumn. While Chinese culture is associated with the Chinese New Year and other festivals and celebrations, as well as the Silk Road and the Great Wall, it is the Canton Fair that is a beacon of internationalization of China's trade.

The Canton Fair's motto, "a bond of friendship, a bridge for trade", sums up its raison d'être. The international magnitude of the trade fair can be best appreciated if we take into consideration the fact that the ongoing event has drawn almost 43,000 exhibitors (from small businesses to international conglomerates) and about 250,000 visitors from across the world.