The idea of trading goods and within a country and between countries is ancient, especially in China. But with the industrial revolution and the explosion of the manufacturing of goods in China, grew what is called "The Canton Trade Fair" This fair, established in 1956, was developed to help China exhibit and trade a growing number of products. Historians of the Canton Trade Fair say that the first Fair was staged in the former Sino-Soviet Friendship Building in the spring of 1957. Starting in a small venue, in contrast to the size of the fair now, one can see how China's development of foreign trade has grown in leaps and bounds.
At the opening and celebration ceremony of the 100th Session of Chinese Export Commodities Fair, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced, on behalf of the Chinese government, that from the 101st session, Chinese Export Commodities Fair (also known as the " Canton Fair") will be renamed as China Import and Export Fair, marking a new historical starting point for the Canton Fair.
The "China Import and Export Fair" is held twice a year in Spring and Autumn and has so since its inaugurated in the Spring of 1957. The Fair is China's largest in size and of a quality. It is also China's most popular due to its complete and well-rounded variety of goods. For China, the Fair is of multi-functional and international importance. Fifty Trading Delegations, being composed of thousands of China's best foreign trade corporations (enterprises) with only the most outstanding credibility and soundest financial capabilities, take part in the Fair. These companies include foreign trade companies, factories, scientific research institutions, foreign invested enterprises, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, private enterprises, etc.
In addition to the Fair being held live, it is also hosted online. China feels the primary function of the Fair is to promote the export of products, although today, they say there is some importing business also being conducted. Other types of business promoted and discussed during the fair include economic and technical cooperations and exchanges, commodity inspection, insurance, transportation, advertising, and consultation.
The Trading Delegations are organized by their different provinces and municipalities; the exhibition halls are arranged by the Chambers of Commerce. While Trading Delegations and exhibition halls are integrated, the exhibitions will be arranged according to trades.
The Canton Fair has seen great growth over the years and has gradually increased its number of commodities available for export. Today there are over 100,000 kinds or products. There are also many new quality products from various parts of the country that stem from the adaptation of advanced technology.
To encourage the export of more high-graded products or high value-added products, which includes machinery and electronic products, a Special Exhibition Section has been set up at the Guangzhou Trade Fair. This section serves to place special emphasis on these high technology products.
In the early days of the Guangzhou Trade Fair, guests came from only a handful of countries and regions in Asia. Today, as the Fair has become more popular and successful, an increasing number of people from many countries and regions are showing up. Figures show that more than 80,000 foreign business people have visited each session of the Fair. Up till the 86th Session, the Fair had done an aggregated export business of US$ 263 billion.
Because of the growth, since Fall 2008, the Fair began became divided into three five-day sessions. The first session will cover exhibits of seven categories of commodities in 18 exhibition zones; the second will feature three categories of goods in 16 exhibition zones. The third session: 5 categories of goods in 17 exhibition zones. Domestic traders will use the four-day break between the two events to re-organize the exhibition halls and display their products once again.
The first part of the fair will focus on industrial raw materials, electronics, machine tools, textiles, garments, food, medicine and health products, while the second will display light industrial products, arts and crafts, gifts, office articles and materials for interior decorating.
If you attend, the fair is held in the beautiful city of Guangzhou. In Guangzhou there are more than 90 star-class guesthouses and hotels. Among them there are 6 five-star hotels: White Swan Hotel, China Hotel, Guangdong International Hotel, Dong Fang Hotel, The Garden Hotel and Oriental Resort. In addition, there are 10 four-star hotels and 30 three-star hotels. Hotels in Guangzhou are all located in beautiful environments, splendidly decorated, and equipped with everything needed. Transport facilities are reliable and preferred among travelers. The currency in Guangzhou is the Renminbi (RMB 8.27 to US$ 1). Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport provides 16 international airlines and regional airlines, flying to more than 70 cities at home and abroad.
To attend the fair you will need to get a Visitor's Card. Fair visitors should get registered before they visit the Fair and have their Visitor Cards stamped and confirmed upon registration at Gate 1 of the Fair Complex. Access to the Fair is granted only to those with confirmed Visitor Cards. Documents required at registration include: Invitation Card extended by the Fair, Personal papers (passport, H.K./Macao I.D. Card or Residence Permit, Taiwan Compatriot Travel Certificate, or a Chinese passport with at least one-year foreign visa ), Business Card, and a most recent personal photo. (5cmx4cm ).
The Canton Fair or as it is now called The China Import and Export Fair is quite remarkable and should continue to grow in leaps and bounds since its 1957 inception.Wentrip provides information and travel resources in China. Whether you're looking for a Canton Fair hotel, Beijing hotel, Guangzhou hotel or are traveling to a different city or region Wentrip will help you find the right advice and accommodations fast. Visit online for more information.
