Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory letters to the Canton Fair twice, fully affirming its historical role and charting the course for its development. Premier Li Qiang emphasized the need to build the Canton Fair into an "everlasting" and "market-leading" event, ensuring that this "golden brand" continues to shine with new era charm.

Implementing the important instructions of President Xi Jinping and the requirements of Premier Li Qiang's research speech, the current session of the Canton Fair emphasizes "leading the market," attracting new quality production forces, showcasing a batch of high-tech and high-value-added products, and assisting in the transformation and upgrading of foreign trade and high-quality development. Wandering through the first phase exhibition halls of the Canton Fair, the advanced manufacturing on display, the bustling negotiation scenes, and the instant stories of win-win cooperation left international trade journalists feeling overwhelmed with sights to see.

"I am very happy to attend the Canton Fair!" At the booth of Dongguan Lvruijiao Technology Co., Ltd., sales director Li Junjie is organizing the business cards of buyers he just received. "We often hear from our partners and peers about the Canton Fair, knowing it is an international event, but the number of exhibition spots is limited, and the competition is very fierce." After years of anticipation, Lvruijiao finally made it to the Canton Fair, bringing along its flagship products such as biodegradable plastic bone strips certified by international standards. Although it is a "newcomer," Lvruijiao's strength is not inferior—it was recognized as a high-tech enterprise in Guangdong Province in 2021 and as a specialized, refined, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprise in Guangdong Province in 2022. "We have been in foreign trade for 15 years, with an export value exceeding 100 million yuan in 2022, mainly focusing on the European and American markets." "This year, we have achieved full industrial chain automation; previously, we produced over 10 tons of film material per hour, now it has increased to over 20 tons." Li Junjie believes that developing new quality production forces is the key to reducing costs and increasing efficiency for the enterprise.

While many enterprises are actively fostering new forms of productive forces, the Canton Fair, known as "China's No. 1 Fair," also embraces the "national priorities" and follows the national strategic steps, supporting enterprises that embody new forms of productive forces to participate. The current Canton Fair has clearly stated: At least % of the exhibition spaces in each展区 will be allocated to enterprises with potential but currently without export volume or whose export volume has not yet met the participation standards, and are recognized as high-tech, specialized and sophisticated, or manufacturing single champion enterprises. Data shows that the number of enterprises with the above titles at this Canton Fair has increased by more than % compared to the previous session, and for the first time exceeded the number of enterprises. "This move reflects the Canton Fair's emphasis on and support for the development of innovative enterprises, aiming to promote technological innovation, drive industrial upgrading, optimize resource allocation, and enhance international competitiveness," said Hong Yong, a think tank expert from the China Digital and Real Economy Integration Forum, in an interview with the International Business Daily.

"This session of the Canton Fair places greater emphasis on innovating mechanisms, enriching business forms, and expanding functions, better serving as a comprehensive platform for China's all-round opening-up," said Yan Leixiang, Party Secretary and Chairman of Zhejiang Chemical Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd., in an interview with reporters. "As the first Canton Fair held after the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, it once again demonstrates China's unwavering confidence and determination to expand its opening-up, and brings us even more new opportunities," said Tong Xiaoye, Chairman of Zhejiang Kosa New Materials Technology Co., Ltd.

Developing new high-quality productive forces, research and production, for every creative imagination, there are countless perseverance. "Previously, our annual production of high-performance new materials was only in the tens of tons, now it has increased to hundreds of tons," Tong Xiaoye excitedly told reporters, "At this Canton Fair, we also brought our own production of 0.05mm turning plates, a precision that is rare globally, making us a leader in the industry." Shandong Huatai New Energy Battery Co., Ltd., a "Canton Fair veteran" that has participated since 1995, is also part of the "elegant army" of new high-quality productive forces. "After applying our independently developed high-end equipment to the production line, the rate has increased from only 100 to 200 per minute," said Li Hanxiang, the company's deputy general manager, to reporters. After years of research and development, the company completed the upgrade and transformation of the production line, not only reducing production costs but also gaining more trust from buyers. "After the Canton Fair, many buyers will visit the factory. The higher the degree of automation of the production line, the higher their recognition of the company's strength."

Developing new high-quality productive forces, sales and marketing—the vastness of the starry sky corresponds to the passion and strength within. At this Canton Fair, Guangzhou Chemical Import & Export Co., Ltd. introduced a new material for the first time—titanium. To quickly enter the markets of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other countries and regions with this new material, the company began preparing for the 134th Canton Fair as early as this year. "Introducing new products to new markets usually takes a long time, but the Canton Fair provides us with a platform to quickly open up markets. To seize the opportunities of the Canton Fair, we have been preparing for half a year," said Yan Ting, the company's deputy general manager, in an interview with reporters. On the first day of the fair, Guangzhou Chemical saw a 30% increase in intended orders. According to Yan Ting, in addition to important markets like South America and the Middle East, the company has also expanded into new markets. From the inquiries received, the number of buyers from India and Russia has significantly increased.

Expectations continue, and good news keeps coming. "On the first day of the event, our new material—specialty paper—caught the attention of buyers. We expect to receive monthly container orders from overseas." Liu Chen, manager of the e-commerce department of Zhejiang Chemical Import and Export Co., Ltd., told reporters. Shandong Huatai also achieved gratifying results at this Canton Fair with its new products. "We signed a contract on the first morning of the event, and it was for a long-awaited new market," said Li Hanxiang.

For foreign trade enterprises, how to convert new productive forces into tangible benefits? Yan Leixiang believes that the key lies in the integration of research and development, production, and sales. "After actively researching and innovating, how to sell products that embody wisdom and effort, and achieve commercialization? The Canton Fair is precisely such a platform that fosters business opportunities and facilitates cooperation." "Participating in the Canton Fair has given us a new goal—to explore the Southeast Asian market," said Li Junjie, who believes that this will inject more new momentum into the company's development. "This trip to the Canton Fair will definitely make our company's brand more prominent and well-known in the international market."