It is said that a trip to the Canton Fair saves one from undertaking a sourcing trip around China. It is also said that the Fair is the ‘weatherglass of China’s foreign trade.’ If one currently sources from China or is looking to source from China, one certainly has to be aware of this event and what it offers.

The China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is held twice a year in Guangzhou. The Canton Fair has been held every year since 1957 and is regarded as the ‘number 1’ trade fair in China due to its long history, the wealth and variety of products exhibited and the turnover generated.

The Canton Fair is unique in that it combines the traditional advantages of a comprehensive exhibition with the recent trend of moving towards specialised events. The Fair contains over 150,000 product types, ranging from light industry, textiles and garments to high-tech and high value-added electromechanical products.

More than 200,000 attendees from over 210 countries and regions come to the fair twice a year to exchange information and procure their products of choice; in fact, more than 150 of the world’s top 250 retailers attend the Canton Fair for procurement.

2009 Exhibition Dates

Phase 2:

Spring Session, 24-28 April (9:30-19:00) and Autumn Session 24-28 October (9:30-19:00)

Consumer Goods; Gifts; Home Decorations

Exhibitors

About 22, 000 Chinese companies have in the past attend each session of the Fair; among them are 11,329 manufacturing companies (51.69%); 8,134 foreign trade companies (37.11%); 2,266 industrial trade companies (10.34%); 16 scientific research institutions (0.07%); and 172 companies classified under ‘other’.

Information on Exhibiting

One can apply for exhibitor status through either of the following 3 procedures:

Through agents of the Canton Fair

Direct application to China Foreign Trade Exhibition Company

Contact person: Mr. Hu

Tel: +86 20 2608 1808

Fax: +86 20 8668 0925 31

cief@fairwindow.com

Online application

www.cantonfair.org.cn

Other Information

A host of information and details on everything from where to stay to how to attend or exhibit can be viewed on the Canton Fair homepage at www.cantonfair.org.cn.