The 135th session of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Monday in Guangzhou, the capital of south China’s Guangdong Province.

By Sunday, approximately 149,000 purchasers from 215 countries and regions had already completed pre-registration for the event, indicating a significant 17.4 percent increase compared to the previous edition.

Overseas buyers’ eagerness to participate has grown, with more purchasers from the United States, Middle Eastern countries, Belt and Road Initiative participating countries, and member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership showing interest.

Running until May 5, the fair features about 74,000 exhibition booths, with over 29,000 exhibitors expected to take part.

Covering an area of 1.55 million square meters, the exhibition spans various sectors, including smart manufacturing, new-energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar cells.

Organizers have arranged over 600 trade promotion activities to further expand the fair’s scope and reach.

Launched in 1957 and held twice yearly, the fair serves as a significant gauge of China’s foreign trade.