Published by ChinaMNC · Shaoyang
Canton Fair 140th Edition: What Foreign Founders Need to Know
The 140th Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou with over 32,000 exhibitors and 340,000 overseas buyers. For foreign founders, it offers a key opportunity to source suppliers and understand China’s advanced manufacturing landscape.
140th Canton Fair Opens in Guangzhou
The 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, commenced on October 15 in Guangzhou. According to the Hunan Provincial Government portal, this edition features approximately 32,000 exhibitors and expects around 340,000 overseas buyers. For foreign founders looking to establish or expand operations in China, the fair serves as a critical platform to connect with suppliers, understand market trends, and explore partnership opportunities.
Phase 1 Focus: Advanced Manufacturing
The first phase of the fair, running under the theme “Advanced Manufacturing,” hosts more than 12,000 exhibitors. Among them, over 6,000 are recognized as high-quality enterprises, including high-tech firms, specialized and sophisticated SMEs, and single-product champions. This concentration of advanced manufacturing expertise is particularly relevant for founders in technology, robotics, and new energy sectors seeking reliable Chinese partners.
Key Exhibition Areas
Phase 1 emphasizes the trends of “new, green, and smart” (新、绿、智) and focuses on global sourcing hotspots such as new energy, smart manufacturing, and embodied intelligence. The fair has set up 17 specialized zones for emerging future industries, including service robots, drones, and display technology. It also showcases achievements in new quality productive forces, such as advanced energy storage, high-end chips, and AI visualization products. For foreign founders, these zones provide a comprehensive view of China’s cutting-edge industrial capabilities.
Trade Services Exhibition
In the trade services area, nine dedicated zones围绕生产性服务业 (around producer services) have been established, marking the first time that all ten major categories of producer services are covered. This is especially useful for foreign founders who need support in logistics, legal, accounting, and other professional services when setting up a company in China.
Fair Schedule and New Product Launches
The 140th Canton Fair runs from October 15 to November 4 in three phases. Over 700 new product launch events are planned, with a 15% increase in the number of products released. A new product launch exhibition area has been established for the first time. These launches can help foreign founders identify innovative products and technologies to bring to their home markets or incorporate into their China-based operations.
Practical Implications for Foreign Founders
For foreign entrepreneurs considering company registration in China, the Canton Fair offers a unique opportunity to:
- Source suppliers and partners: With tens of thousands of exhibitors, founders can meet potential manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers face-to-face.
- Understand market trends: The focus on advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies provides insights into China’s industrial priorities and consumer demands.
- Access trade services: The expanded producer services zone can connect founders with essential services for setting up and operating a business.
- Network with industry peers: The presence of over 340,000 overseas buyers facilitates networking and knowledge exchange.
While the fair itself is a trade event, it reflects China’s ongoing openness to foreign investment and trade. Founders should note that participating in the fair does not replace the need for proper legal and regulatory compliance when establishing a company in China.
Next Steps
Foreign founders interested in leveraging the opportunities presented by the Canton Fair and establishing a presence in China can seek professional guidance. ChinaMNC specializes in helping foreign entrepreneurs with company registration, tax compliance, and operational support. For assistance, contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.