From affordable consumer goods to cutting-edge technologies, the Canton Fair has connected China with global markets for seven decades. 

As the 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for greater market connectivity and an open world economy to expand opportunities for all.

"Throughout the years, China has been committed to integrating its domestic market with the international markets for joint growth," Li said in his opening address, adding that China is ready to work with all countries to build an open world economy and strengthen market connectivity so as to make the global market bigger and deliver greater benefits to all.

Li described China as both a "super seller" and a "super buyer." As a "super seller," affordable Chinese goods have significantly increased the actual purchasing power of global consumers. As a "super buyer," China helps to boost the prosperity of other countries.

Marking the fair's 70th anniversary, Li highlighted its growth through openness. Over the past seven decades, the Canton Fair has attracted buyers from more than 220 countries and regions, with the total value of business deals reaching $1.6 trillion.

Super seller: Adding momentum to the global economy

"As a 'super seller,' China brings benefits to its trading partners," Li said.

Affordable Chinese goods have boosted purchasing power and living standards in importing countries. Meanwhile, advances in AI, green energy and biomedicine have brought fresh momentum and opportunities to the global economy.

This fair features 32,000 exhibitors, 64% of which use technologies such as industrial internet and AI. Green products account for a record 26% of the exhibits.

The first phase, themed "Advanced Manufacturing," features more than 25,000 booths and over 12,000 exhibitors, showcasing electronics, household appliances and industrial automation. It also focuses on new energy, intelligent manufacturing and embodied intelligence, with 17 zones dedicated to emerging and future industries, including service robots, drones and display technologies.

Nearly 200 countries and regions are represented among pre-registered buyers, with professional buyers accounting for nearly 80%. Buyers from Belt and Road partner countries have shown strong interest, while 266 leading purchasing enterprises and 141 global partners are attending in delegations.

Anis Sajan, vice chairman of the Dubai-based Danube Group, said he had attended the fair for more than 20 years and was a "super fan." He arrives several days early each time to visit suppliers and place orders.

Super buyer: Opening up the Chinese market

China is a key trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions and the top export destination for nearly 80. Its stock of overseas investment has reached $3.4 trillion. While developing itself, China has also brought benefits to the world, Li said.

China has ranked as the world's second-largest importer for 17 consecutive years, according to customs data. Imports exceeded 18 trillion yuan (around $2.69 trillion) last year and grew 22.3% year on year in the first three quarters of this year.

Since establishing its import exhibition section in 2007, the Canton Fair has also helped overseas businesses access the Chinese market.

"We have participated in the Canton Fair for decades and successfully developed our business in the Chinese market," said Yohanes Gunawan, export department manager at Indonesian fast-moving consumer goods company PT Sinar Antjol, calling the fair an indispensable platform for international trade.

Meanwhile, China's role in global trade extends beyond providing a market for foreign goods. Through overseas investment and development cooperation, it also supports industrial growth in developing countries.

"While developing itself, China has done its utmost to help and support other developing countries," Li said, citing China's efforts to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

There are over 50,000 overseas companies set up with Chinese investments, 90% of which are in Global South countries, Li said, adding that many have seen rapid manufacturing growth and significant increases in foreign exchange earnings from exports.

Zhang Qingfu, vice-president of Haier Overseas Electric Appliances Corp, told Guangzhou Daily that international visitors to the fair were not merely customers but also partners.

In Pakistan, Haier has jointly built an industrial park with local partners, serving as both a manufacturing base and a platform for bringing together upstream and downstream businesses to upgrade industrial and supply chains.

Similar partnerships have developed in Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Europe, Zhang said, adding that many of Haier's overseas partners were first introduced to the company through the fair.