Expo participants hail focus on high-end manufacturing, digital transformation

Through its showcase of artificial intelligence technology, smart manufacturing, and advanced solutions, the recent China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair, has become an important platform for Indian businesses seeking new technologies, products and cooperations, said participants from India.

The 140th Canton Fair, marking its 70th anniversary, has drawn record-breaking international attendance.

The fair, which closed Wednesday, has drawn 352,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries, up 12.2 percent from the previous session and marking a record high in the event's 70-year history.

READ MORE: Overseas buyer attendance at first phase of Canton Fair hits record high

The autumn edition of the biannual event took place in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, from Oct 15 through Wednesday.

Mansoor Nadeem Lari, CEO of FTA Trade and Industry Development Corp, said his company leverages the Canton Fair to import essential electronics and communication equipment, textile and garment manufacturing machinery, food processing equipment, industrial accessories, and raw materials from China.

These imports directly meet the needs of Indian manufacturing units, which utilize them to produce high-quality finished products.

Lari, who has been participating in the Canton Fair since 2007, said that access to advanced machinery and cost-effective materials is vital.

It enables Indian factories to reduce production costs, upgrade manufacturing capabilities, and enhance overall productivity.

"We have existing suppliers in China, and these suppliers bring new products every time at the Canton Fair," Lari said.

Furthermore, aligned with the Indian government's national mission to develop a comprehensive domestic AI ecosystem, Lari said his company actively explored collaborations with global AI models at the event to support e-commerce and delivery services in India.

This year, a large Indian trade delegation attended the fair to discover new technologies and establish partnerships with Chinese manufacturers and international suppliers.

Attendees said the 140th Canton Fair had much greater emphasis on high-end manufacturing, digital transformation, and specialized product zones than previous editions.

Shranik Chopra, a businessman from Jaipur, Rajasthan, has been visiting the trade show for the last 23 years.

Chopra, who sources building materials and home decor products at the fair, described this shift as highly impressive.

Growing demand

He said the new layout reflects a growing global demand for technological advancement and industry-specific solutions.

According to Chopra, this transition highlights a broader transformation in the global trade landscape, where advanced manufacturing capabilities, digital integration, and product diversification are increasingly shaping business opportunities.

Vijay K. Mishra, executive vice-chairman of the India China Trade Centre, said international business relies on three core pillars — the right products, the right partners, and the right business environment — which the fair simultaneously provides.

Avinash Khanapur has been organizing trade tours to the Canton Fair for over a decade.

This year, he led a delegation of 1,600 traders — the largest Indian delegation in recent years.

Avinash said the latest edition of the Canton Fair had become noticeably smarter and easier to navigate than previous editions, thanks to the adoption of AI technology.

For example, exhibitors and buyers can now exchange digital business cards simply by scanning QR codes. AI can also automatically summarize business discussions, save customer information, and identify potential high-value orders.

ALSO READ: AI plays bigger role in business deals at Canton Fair

Another useful feature was ASKME AI, which allows participants to scan QR codes placed throughout the exhibition complex to get instant answers about exhibits, facilities, and venue services.

These AI-powered features made communication more convenient, saved time, and provided a more convenient experience for both exhibitors and buyers, Avinash said.

Ram Singh, a professor at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in New Delhi, said the fair's unique multiphase structure and direct factory access help bridge crucial trade gaps.

He said that by fostering joint production, co-manufacturing, and technology cooperation, the event not only facilitates direct supplier engagement but also fosters trust necessary to sustain merchant trade in a volatile global economy.

Aparajit Chakraborty is a freelancer for China Daily.

Contact the writers at vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com