Guangzhou, also known as Canton is the capital and largest city of Guangdong province in southern China. Since 1957 the city of Guangzhou (Canton) hosts the China Import/Export Fair every year. In other words, the Canton Fair or China Import and Export Fair has held every year since 1957 in Canton (Guangzhou), Guangdong, China. It is the oldest, largest and most representative international trade fair in China.
The Canton Fair attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year from all over the World. The Spring 2024 Canton Fair will hold in three phases between late April and May 2024.
Spring 2024
Phase-1: 15th. – 19th. April 2024
Electronics and Lighting
- Household Electrical Appliances
- Consumer Electronics and Information Products
- Electronic and Electrical Products
- Lighting Equipment
- New Energy Resources
- New Materials and Chemical Products
- Hardware
- Tools
- Machining Machinery and Equipment
- Power and Electrical Equipment
- General Machinery and Mechanical Parts
- Industrial Automation and Intelligent Manufacturing
- Construction Machinery
- Agricultural Machinery
- New Energy Vehicles and Smart Mobility
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
- Vehicle Spare Parts
- Vehicles
Phase-2: 23rd. – 27th. April 2024
Consumer Goods and Ceramics
- Building and Decoration Materials
- Sanitary and Bathroom Equipment
- Furniture
- Kitchen and Tableware
- Daily-use Ceramics
- Household Items
- Clocks, Watches and Optical Instrument
- Gifts and Premiums
- Festival Products
- Home Decorations
- Art Ceramics
- Glass Art-ware
- Gardening Products
- Woven, Rattan and Iron Products
- Iron and Stone Decorations and Outdoor Spa Facilities.
Phase-3: 1st. – 05th. May 2024
Textiles and Medical Products
- Personal Care Appliances
- Bathroom Products
- Medicines, Health Products and Medical Devices
- Pet Products
- Maternity and Baby Products
- Toys
- Children's Clothing
- Men's and Women's Clothing
- Sportswear and Casual Wear
- Underwear
- Fur, Leather, Down and Related Products
- Clothing Accessories and Fittings
- Home Textiles
- Textile Raw Materials and Fabrics
- Carpets and Tapestries
- Shoes
- Office Supplies
- Bags and Suitcases
- Sports and Tourism Leisure Products
- Food
- Rural Revitalization
How to Attend
To attend the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China, you need to apply for an invitation either through the Canton Fair website or an accredited local representative office in your country.
Contact your national or city Chamber of Commerce for invitation, application, visa, travel arrangements, and costs implications.
In Nigeria, that would be the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and its various city chambers of commerce in your location.
If you live in Abia State, that would be the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) and the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UCCIMA).
Every year, the Aba Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) invites its members and the aba business community to join its Business Delegations to the various editions of the China Import and Export Fairs in Guangzhou, China.
Interested participants should visit the Aba Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) Secretariat at No. 2 Umuimo Road (Afor-ule Market), off United Bank for Africa, 142 Aba-Owerri Road; or contact Johnson on 0813 824 1363.
Slots are limited and applications are treated on first-come first-served basis.
Canton Fair - Important Notes to Participants:
♦ When exchanging Business Cards, do so with both hands. Similarly, accept Business Cards with both hands.
♦ Do not immediately put a Business Card into your back pocket, or into a wallet that goes into your back pocket. This is considered dis-respectful since you’re most likely to sit on it. You’ll rather read it, hold it in your hand, or place it in your front pocket.
♦ When you meet a group of people, remember to show respect and greet them according to chronological age hierarchy. Chinese will love you for that!
♦ Put a smile on your face! And enjoy a good laugh when necessary. In such a business meet up, the Chinese are very open and receptive to people who they perceive to be excited and happy to be with them.
♦ Remember not to attend alone or solo. Endeavour to be part of a group, delegation or organization. The Chinese businessman will accord you more interest and recognition as a group – and for obvious reasons: Groups and Delegations inspire more confidence and credibility for business relationships.
♦ Keep off political discussions or talks! China is a communist country.
♦ When you go out for lunch or dinner, remember not to leave any food in your plate, even if you are paying for it. Take only what you can comfortably finish. Do not tip.
♦ Females should not expect much courtesy from the Chinese. For example, you will not get preferential treatment when stepping onto a lift. Endeavor to be accompanied by another. Do not wear revealing or inciting clothes or apparel, as they are not well perceived by the Chinese.
Stay Smart, Wealthy and Wise!
See You There!
© Jay Onwukwe
