Life of Guangzhou - Canton Fair Seen Opening Doors for Malaysian Products

The Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce wants to bring more exhibitors including Bumiputera companies to the Canton Fair.

The China’s biggest trade event has opened its doors to foreign products for the first time in its history.

Chamber president Datuk Yong Ah Pwi said the fair, the second largest in the world, would be the best springboard for Malaysian products to penetrate the huge China and international markets because it was well attended by buyers from all over the world.

“There are many Malaysian products which have a lot of potential. This fair opens doors for Malaysian companies, and I am confident many of them will do very well here,” he said after the opening of the international phase of the fair today.

The Canton Fair, held twice (April and October) each year, began in 1955 to showcase China-made products. However, China has opened it to 36 foreign countries starting this year to encourage domestic buyers to increase imports to help cut the country’s huge trade surplus.

The fair this time, held in two phases (April 15-20, 25-30), has drawn 200,000 buyers from more than 200 countries with deals worth US billion signed.

Wang Junwen, vice-director and secretary-general of the fair, said: “We certainly welcome more Malaysian companies and products to boost trade between our two countries and to expand their business with the rest of the world.

Malaysia has the biggest allocation of 60 booths which have been snapped up by 35 companies showcasing electrical and electronic products, foodstuff, kitchen and sanitary fittings and hardware tools at the new Pazhou Complex.