Event seen as creating opportunities to connect India with global suppliers

An increased number of overseas buyers are seen during the second phase of the ongoing 134th China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province. (QIU QUANLIN / CHINA DAILY)

The China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as Canton Fair, can serve as a trade bridge between China and India, according to Indian businesspeople and traders.

Offering an excellent opportunity to connect with global traders and suppliers, secure new clients and contacts, and explore business opportunities, Indian participants and trade representatives believe the Canton Fair is both a major platform to showcase their products and a major avenue for getting better market access to global platforms.

Every year hundreds of Indian businesspeople, companies, traders and entrepreneurs participate in the trade show, which is held in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. This year, around 50 Indian businesspeople and companies are taking part in the first full-fledged Canton Fair following the pandemic disruption.

By showcasing Indian products and attracting buyers from across the world, the fair is expected to bring India business opportunities.

"Canton Fair is the best platform to showcase India's diverse range of products among the global buyers", and this is the only place where buyers from about 200 countries and regions are participating, said Shranik Chopra, a businessman from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who has been participating in the trade show for the last 20 years.

Chopra has been exhibiting building materials and home decoration products at the fair. This year, his firm had the honor of becoming the first sole agent of the Indian Pavilion.

There is a lot to learn from the experience of China and secure strategic tie-ups like technology transfers, investments and map out next-level coordination between the business communities of the two countries, Chopra said.

All countries want to buy from China, and the Canton Fair provides a platform to showcase foreign companies and products to global buyers, said Rajdeep Jain from India's Punjab State. He has been participating in the fair for the past 15 years.

China makes great contributions by sharing this important market opportunity with the world, said Jain.

"The Canton Fair is a platform with global buyers. From here, we can not only sell our products to the Chinese market, but also get into contact with buyers from all across the world," Jain said.

"It is a great opportunity to meet with buyers from across the world in person and discuss new plans and programs," said Rajat Bose from New Delhi who showcased hand tools at the fair.

Mutual engagement

The response from Chinese businesses has been very encouraging and the mutual engagement among traders helps in improving bilateral ties as well. People-to-people contacts result in a better appreciation of each other's perspectives, said Ajay Sahai, director-general and CEO of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations.

Sahai believes that showcasing Indian products and their appreciation by Chinese importers will not only help secure better market access for Indian traders, but will also boost exports and contribute to a reduction in India's trade deficit with China and other countries.

The Canton Fair offers an excellent opportunity to connect with global suppliers and clients, establish global contacts and explore new business opportunities, and is an ideal place to learn about the latest market trends, marketing strategies and latest product designs, said Zha Liyou, China's consul general in India's eastern city of Kolkata.

Congratulating Indian businesspeople and trade representatives who have taken part in the fair, the consul general said the trade show is a wonderful platform for Indian companies to facilitate trade cooperation between the two countries.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.