Bristol is hosting the launch of a major international trade fair in the Chinese city of Guangzhou next week.
The Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest and one of the most prestigious trade fairs in China. Established in 1957, it is held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn.
To mark 25 years since the establishment of its partnership with Guangzhou, Bristol is hosting the promotion conference for the 139th fair for the first time, on Friday, 20th March.
The free event takes place at City Hall on College Green, from 9.30am-12 noon and will feature speeches from Councillor Henry Michallat, Lord Mayor of Bristol, a representative from the Chinese embassy and Richard Lowe, director of business initiatives at Bristol and West of England China Bureau. There will also be a chance to hear from organisers and previous exhibitors and attendees of the Canton Fair.
The fair is co-hosted by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, and organised by the China Foreign Trade Centre. Last autumn’s event attracted overseas buyers from over 200 countries and regions, with more than 300,000 people in attendance.
The 139th Canton Fair is scheduled to open on 15th April.
Dianne Francombe OBE, chair of the Bristol & West of England China Bureau, says the promotion conference offers an opportunity to further strengthen ties between Bristol and China.
“The Canton Fair serves as a critical hub for businesses seeking to access the Chinese market or to export goods internationally,” she says.
“It’s a great honour for Bristol to be hosting the promotion conference for the forthcoming fair and a fitting way to mark 25 years of co-operation and collaboration through the Bristol-Guangzhou partnership.”
