On September 3, the UK Promotion Event for the 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) was successfully held simultaneously in London and Belfast via live video link. Organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre and hosted by IBG, the official UK partner of the Canton Fair, the event also received strong support from the Consulate-General of China in Belfast. The event attracted widespread participation from major UK chambers of commerce, key enterprises, and industry representatives, with nearly 300 companies registering to attend, demonstrating the strong appeal of the Canton Fair in the UK market.
As the long-term official partner of the China Foreign Trade Centre in the UK, IBG carried out extensive and meticulous preparation for the event. The team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the scale, layout, and industry distribution of each exhibition section of the Canton Fair. Tailoring their strategy to the structure and demand of the UK market, IBG developed targeted industry marketing approaches. Through segmented and sector-specific promotion, IBG extended invitations to companies in key UK industries such as machinery manufacturing, consumer goods, electronics and appliances, building materials and home furnishings, and medical equipment. The promotional efforts emphasized the Canton Fair’s value as China’s largest and most comprehensive international trade platform.
Leveraging its strong local business network and resources, IBG successfully invited major institutions and business leaders, including the British Chambers of Commerce, China-Britain Business Council, and representatives from Northern Ireland’s business community. The pre-event outreach and invitation campaign received enthusiastic responses, with final registration numbers far exceeding expectations—clearly reflecting the UK business community’s keen interest in using the Canton Fair to explore the Chinese and global markets.
This promotional event adopted an innovative simultaneous dual-city format, linking London and Belfast in real time. This approach overcame geographical barriers and significantly expanded the event’s reach and influence. The agenda was well-structured, transitions were smooth, and the signal quality was stable with clear visuals and synchronized audio. These elements showcased IBG’s high level of professionalism and technical capability in event planning and execution.
Representatives from the Consulate-General of China in Belfast and officials from Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy delivered speeches during the event. They acknowledged the Canton Fair’s vital role in promoting China-UK economic and trade relations—particularly between China and Northern Ireland—and commended IBG’s efforts in fostering practical cooperation between both sides.
The event focused on highlighting the new features, enhanced services, and digital advancements of the 138th Canton Fair. Practical guidance was provided for companies on exhibiting and sourcing. Attendees actively engaged in discussions, and many downloaded the official Canton Fair app to further explore market opportunities and deepen their cooperation with China through this efficient platform.
The successful execution of this promotion event not only significantly boosted brand awareness and the influence of the Canton Fair in the UK but also once again underscored IBG’s outstanding capabilities as the China Foreign Trade Centre’s key UK partner—in localized marketing, targeted business recruitment, and high-level event delivery.
IBG reaffirmed its commitment to building a bridge for China-UK trade cooperation and helping more UK businesses seize development opportunities through the Canton Fair platform.