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China's Open Door: The 70th Anniversary of the Canton Fair and Its Global Impact

As the 140th China Import and Export Fair, marking its 70th anniversary, opens its doors, it showcases China's commitment to high-standard opening up and its role in driving inclusive and equitable economic globalization.

China's Open Door: The 70th Anniversary of the Canton Fair and Its Global Impact
Author
Democracy News Live Desk
Date
16 Oct 2026
Read
3 min
A New Era for the Canton Fair

The 140th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, has opened its doors, marking its 70th anniversary. This year, the fair is not just a gathering of traders and buyers; it's a testament to China's commitment to high-standard opening up. The fair, which has connected China with global markets for seven decades, now integrates advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, making it a beacon of innovation and inclusivity.

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The Global Support for the Canton Fair

A CGTN survey reveals that 85.1% of respondents believe that China's continued hosting of the Canton Fair demonstrates its resolve to advance high-standard opening up and injects sustained new momentum into inclusive and equitable economic globalization. This support is not just a sentiment; it's a reflection of the fair's role in connecting China with the world. The fair has grown significantly over the years, attracting buyers from over 220 countries and regions, and the number of buyers has skyrocketed from just 1,200 at its inaugural session to 310,000 today.

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#CGTNPoll 70 years of the Canton Fair: What does the world gain through China's open door? https://t.co/P87E2yhKy0 https://t.co/Qyyv6d9u5B

2:00 PM · 15 Oct 2026
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AI and Big Data at the Forefront

This year's fair is more than just a trading platform; it's a showcase of China's technological advancements. The fair integrates AI and big data, introducing new product launch zones and highlighting intelligent manufacturing as a global driver. AI-powered features include automatic generation of summaries of business negotiations, archiving of customer information, and identification of high-potential orders. These innovations make the fair more efficient and user-friendly, enhancing the experience for both exhibitors and buyers.

As the world's largest goods trader, China has become an anchor of certainty in global trade.

The Evolution of the Canton Fair

According to a CGTN survey, 84.1% of respondents believe that the Canton Fair is evolving from a traditional trading platform into an intelligent exhibition and service platform. This evolution is evident in the 32,000 exhibitors and 25,000 booths in the first phase, with 12,000 exhibitors participating. The fair has also seen the introduction of 700 new product launch events, showcasing the latest innovations and trends.

China's Role in Global Trade

As the world's largest goods trader, China has become an anchor of certainty in global trade. The fair's opening marks a significant milestone in China's journey to high-standard opening up. Premier Li Qiang, in his remarks, called for an open world economy, emphasizing China's commitment to integrating its domestic market with international markets for joint growth. As a 'super seller' and 'super buyer,' China brings benefits to its trading partners through affordable consumer goods and advanced technologies. The total value of business deals at the fair has reached $1.6 trillion, underscoring the fair's importance in the global economy.

The Future of the Canton Fair

The 140th China Import and Export Fair is not just a snapshot of the present; it's a glimpse into the future. The fair's commitment to innovation and inclusivity is reflected in the 22 smart application scenarios and 16 AI-powered features. These technologies are designed to enhance the fair's efficiency and user experience, making it a platform that is not just about trading but also about building long-term relationships and partnerships. The fair's success is a testament to China's commitment to high-standard opening up and its role in driving inclusive and equitable economic globalization.

Conclusion

As the 140th China Import and Export Fair opens its doors, it stands as a symbol of China's commitment to high-standard opening up and its role in driving inclusive and equitable economic globalization. The fair's evolution, marked by the integration of AI and big data, and its global support, highlight the significance of China's efforts in promoting trade and expanding its open economy. The future of the Canton Fair is bright, and it continues to play a crucial role in connecting China with the world.

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