Canton Fair strengthens RP-China trade relations

CEBU, Philippines - The strong trade relationship between China and the Philippines is further boosted as China invites Filipino enterprises to participate in its number one import and export exhibition, “The Canton Fair.”

The Canton fair, which will be held this October 15 to November 4 in Guangzhou China, is held twice a year where thousands of China's best foreign trade corporations showcase their products, and participated in by foreign trade companies and private enterprises.

It is acclaimed to be the longest trade fair in the history of China, now on its 106th, with “the most complete exhibit variety, the biggest buyer attendance, the greatest business turnover, and the best credit standing in China .” 

During the visit of Chinese delegation to the Philippines, which was meant to promote the fair in Cebu recently, representatives said that they see the budding success of Filipino enterprises and products in China , which has a large potential market of up to P1.3 billion.

Zhang Zhigang, the chairman of the Council of China Foreign Trade Center, organizer of the Canton fair, shared in a press conference during the general membership meeting of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that the Chinese government greatly welcomes the Filipino businesses in the country, especially from Cebu, and be able to showcase these in the Canton fair.  

Zhigang said that this is one effort to be made for an economic cooperation in order to cope with the still lingering effects of the global economic crunch.

According to Zhigang, the 105th Canton fair held May of this year showed a decrease in the number of attendees by five percent resulting from the economic instability.

However, he said that they are optimistic with the 106th session and that they are also confident on the participation of the Philippines in the Canton fair as the country have showed a fair result in the economy compared to other countries that resulted to a negative in their import and export industries.

Zhigang said that they are also eager on how the Philippines could partake in the Chinese business sector noting the warm accommodation and good working personality of the Filipino businessmen.

He said that there are a lot of products coming from the Philippines which could do well in the Chinese market like the IT merchandises and electronic devices which are very good in quality and price. Filipino food, like the seafood, has also been very popular with the Chinese community, said Zhigang.

The chairman shared that these products are already available in China, however, still very minimal.

“The number is not that big. There are IT products there but I hope that there would be more products to come in from the Philippines,” Zhigang said

He in fact shared that they can arrange a special Filipino exhibition in China aside from the Canton fair.

Zhigang said that they also have thousand of interpreters available for the guests during the fair which could help with the communication between Filipino and the Chinese community.

At present, China is said to be the biggest exporter to the Philippines supplying up to 21 percent of export goods. This is bigger than the 18 percent of goods provided by the United States in the Philippines, said Zhigang.

The Canton fair attracts more than 200 thousand overseas buyers and is expected to grow through the promotional activities done by the group as well as the continuous development made to serve the customers and the exhibitors better.

The fair would have three phases, with various products displayed during each phase. And exhibitors given five days to display their goods.

Phase 1, which is on October 15-19 will have Electronics & Household Electrical Appliances, Hardware & Tools, Machinery and Spare Parts, Building Materials, Lighting Equipment, Chemical Products, International Pavilion.

On October 23-27, Phase 2 would have Consumer Goods, Gifts, Home Decorations showcased and in Phase 3 on October 31-November 4 would display Textiles & Garments, Shoes, Office Supplies, Cases & Bags, Recreation Products, Medicines, Medical Devices, Health Products, Food Products.