Inaugurated in the spring of 1957, the China Import and Export Fair (CIEF), commonly known as the Canton Fair, is China's largest trade fair and now has spread its name all around the world. It is held twice a year in spring and autumn in China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex), Guangzhou. The upcoming session in 2015, the 117th Canton Fair is scheduled to put on its fantasy in spring from Apr.15-May 5.
Topping the best known China fairs, the Canton Fair is a comprehensive trade show with the longest history, the highest level, the largest scale, the most complete in exhibit variety, the broadest distribution of overseas buyers and the greatest business turnover in China.
The Canton Fair leans to export trade, though import business is also done here. Traditional way of negotiating against samples and internet trading service are both available at the Fair. In addition, various types of business activities such as economic and technical cooperations and exchanges, commodity inspection, insurance, transportation, advertising, consultation, etc. are also carried out in flexible ways.
Trading Delegations of the Fair include foreign trade companies, factories, scientific research institutions, foreign invested enterprises, all foreign-owned enterprises, private enterprises, etc.
Steps for Attending Canton Fair
- Applying a Canton Fair Invitation (Paper Invitation or E-Invitation)
- Applying Visa to China with the Invitation
- Planning your Canton Fair trip (Booking hotels, etc.)
- Getting registered (with the Invitation) and getting an IC card to the Fair
- Attending Canton Fair
Canton Fair Fact Sheet
Time of Initiation: April, 1957
Interval: Two sessions a year
Upcoming Session: The 117th Session of China Import and Export Fair (Spring Canton Fair 2015)
Fair Dates: Phase 1: April 15-19, 2015
Phase 2: April 23-27, 2015
Phase 3: May 1-5, 2015
Duration: 5 days each phase, with 3-day intervals in between
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex)
Location: No.380 Yuejiangzhong Road, Guangzhou, China
Exhibition Area: 1,180,000 sqm (116th Session)
Number of Booths: 60,222 standard booths (116th Session)
Business Turnover (National Pavilion): 29.16 Billion USD (116th Session)
Number of Overseas Buyers: 186.104 (116th Session)
Number of Exhibitors: 24,751 exhibitors (116th Session)
