(Yicai Global) June 15 -- The Canton Fair, known as the ‘barometer’ or ‘wind vane’ of China’s foreign trade, opened online today after a two-month delay because of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is the first time that the fair is being held fully online.

The 10-day China Export Commodities Fair, as it is officially called, has set up 50 virtual exhibition areas on the internet, according to its website. The exhibits are divided into 16 categories covering electronics and home appliances, lighting, hardware tools, building materials, consumer goods, and gifts, with more than 2 million kinds of goods.

Interested dealers can visit virtual online booths set up by exporters by entering the product or company name, which will enable them to place orders and do business remotely.

The 127th Canton Fair has also set up an online live broadcast hall for exhibitors, providing separate online streaming channels for all of them 24-hours a day, where they can introduce their products to potential buyers. The parties can also talk and make immediate arrangements via the channels.

The Canton Fair is known as the ‘barometer’ and ‘wind vane’ of China’s foreign trade. Since its inception in 1957, the fair has been held every six months without a stop. In recent years, the Canton Fair has drawn about 25,000 exhibitors and about 200,000 overseas buyers, bringing a large number foreign trade orders to Chinese companies.

Editor: Peter Thomas