A 14-member trade delegation from the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by Vice President Nasir Mehmood Chaudhry, is representing Pakistan at the third phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) in Guangzhou, running from May 1 to May 5. The participation highlights Pakistan’s drive to deepen economic ties with China and explore new trade and technology collaboration opportunities in the consumer goods sector.
Held during a pivotal time for Pakistan’s economic strategy, the visit aims to diversify import sources and promote joint ventures with Chinese manufacturers, particularly in sectors involving technology transfer. According to Gwadar Pro, the Canton Fair’s third phase, themed "Better Life,” builds on the record-breaking success of its earlier sessions, which saw over 220,000 international buyers from 219 regions attending.
The current phase spans 515,000 square meters of exhibition space and features 24,560 booths hosted by 12,043 enterprises, showcasing advanced and customized consumer products. Exhibits include innovations in toys, fashion, maternity and childcare products, stationery, home textiles, and wellness-focused goods — all areas with growing potential for Pakistani manufacturers and importers.
Observers have noted significant breakthroughs in niche segments such as eco-friendly infant products, smart textiles, and high-tech leisure goods. These innovations present valuable opportunities for Pakistani stakeholders to meet evolving consumer demands and tap into global supply chains.
The Canton Fair’s hybrid model has also played a crucial role in expanding its reach, with nearly 890,000 products uploaded to its online platform by April 24, enabling ongoing engagement between exhibitors and international buyers even after the event concludes.
Adding to the multicultural vibrancy of the fair, international pavilions feature 284 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions — including Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Malaysia. These pavilions offer a dynamic platform for comparative industry analysis and cross-border cooperation.
Shkil Ahmed, a member of the ICCI delegation, praised the fair’s scale and diversity: “The product variety is exceptionally rich, and the atmosphere is electric. This environment presents real opportunities for Pakistani businesses.”
As the fair continues through May 5, the Pakistani delegation is actively participating in B2B engagements, identifying potential collaborations, and gathering market intelligence that could shape future trade policy and strategic decisions.
