On April 15, 2026, the 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) officially opened at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou. As the official UK partner of the Canton Fair, IBG was invited to attend the grand opening reception. The team also conducted in-depth visits across exhibition halls, engaging with global buyers and suppliers while witnessing the strong momentum of China’s foreign trade sector.Mr. Qiu Zhaojun, the company’s director manager, and Mr. Sun Xiaoyan, the marketing executive, represented the company at the opening ceremony reception.
Opening Ceremony: A Fusion of Technology and Tradition
Under the themes of “Advanced Manufacturing,” “Quality Home Living,” and “Better Life,” this year’s Canton Fair has reached a new record in exhibition scale. The opening ceremony featured a vibrant atmosphere, highlighted by the unique Lingnan-style “robot Yingge dance” alongside traditional dragon and lion performances. This blend of heritage and innovation captivated attendees and attracted significant attention from international buyers.
IBG attended the opening reception, where the team engaged in extensive discussions with government officials, diplomatic representatives, and industry leaders. Key topics included global trade trends, cross-border e-commerce collaboration, and supply chain optimization, reinforcing the voice of UK–China trade cooperation.
Exhibition Highlights: Focus on “Specialized and Innovative” Enterprises and Advanced Manufacturing
The IBG team conducted on-site visits to a wide range of exhibitors. The 139th Canton Fair hosts over 32,000 companies, including more than 11,000 recognized as “specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative” enterprises or industry champions.
During the visit, the team placed particular emphasis on the “Advanced Manufacturing” zone, gaining detailed insights into China’s latest technological advancements in intelligent manufacturing, new energy, and high-end equipment. The team also held in-depth discussions with multiple exhibitors. Through these engagements, IBG identified high-quality supplier resources for UK buyers and gained a firsthand understanding of China’s transition from “Made in China” to “Intelligently Created in China.”
Deepening the UK Market: Building an Efficient Bridge for Trade
As a key connector in UK–China trade relations, IBG has cultivated extensive networks within the UK business community over the years. Participation in the 139th Canton Fair not only reflects its role as an official partner but also serves to further strengthen and expand the Fair’s influence in the UK market.
Through its presence at this major event, IBG once again demonstrated its capabilities as a professional trade and business services platform. Looking ahead, the company will continue to leverage its strong partnerships with leading UK chambers of commerce and industry bodies, organizing high-quality UK buyer delegations and facilitating precise matchmaking and mutually beneficial cooperation across broader sectors.
The 139th Canton Fair will run until May 5. IBG will remain actively engaged on-site, providing comprehensive business support to global trade partners.