The Egyptian presence at the China Import and Export Fair – the Canton Fair for short – goes to show how far economic ties with the Far Eastern powerhouse have come.
Zhang Sihong, who is vice president of the China Foreign Trade Centre, said 900 Egyptian firms were represented at last year’s event, plus the 2,200 Egyptian visitors and buyers who attended virtually.
Zhang also recalled that the fair has already forged partnerships with the Egyptian Businessmen Association, the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, and the Alexandria Business Association, Zhang said.
“We’re expecting more Egyptian businesses this year, also partly due to the Belt and Road Initiative, in which more countries are involved,” Zhang added.
The 134th edition of the Canton Fair opens on 15 October. The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, will create a trade route network linking Asia, Europe, and Africa, while developing infrastructure, facilitating trade and people-to-people exchanges, and integrating financial systems.
“The Canton Fair aligns seamlessly with these goals and serves as a vital channel for advancing the BRI objectives,” Zhang said. In short, the fair will bring together representatives of BRI countries to showcase products and strengthen trade relations.
Additionally, the Canton Fair encourages collaboration and co-operation among exhibitors and buyers from BRI countries. It acts as a hub for exchanging ideas, technology, and expertise, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and encouraging innovation. Through this exchange, countries involved in the BRI can enhance their productive capacities and develop mutually beneficial partnerships, contributing to the sustainable development and economic success of the initiative.
The Canton Fair is also known as an important window for China’s opening up and an important platform for China’s foreign trade. During a recent visit to the state-of-the-art venue, it was easy to see how the fair is reflecting the growing trends inside China with more spaces for innovative technology, green products, and high participation of countries of the BRI.
The Canton Fair not only serves as a trade mega-event but also an excellent occasion to recognise the larger political landscape in China. From showcasing economic policies to projecting global influence and strengthening international relations, the fair serves as a mirror that highlights China’s political priorities and ambitions on the world stage.
With its modern amenities and excellent infrastructure, the Canton Fair venue also can offer an ideal platform for businesses to showcase their products, network with industry professionals, and strike lucrative trade deals. And at the same can play a crucial role in promoting connectivity, shared prosperity, and cooperation among nations, while promoting cultural diversity and strengthening the bonds between participating nations, fostering stronger diplomatic relations and regional harmony.
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