The 136th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) got underway in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on Oct 15. [Wechat account of Investing in Gansu]

The 136th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) got underway in Guangzhou last week, cementing its status as a major event in global trade.

This year's Canton Fair is divided into three phases, each focused on key themes: "Advanced Manufacturing", "Quality Homes" and "Better Living". The first phase ran from Oct 15 to 19 with a new focus on hydrogen energy, along with a special zone for energy storage products, attracting more than 100 new energy companies.

The Lanzhou trade delegation participated in the first phase, along with 29 companies and 50 exhibition booths, showcasing products ranging from household appliances and lighting to electronic equipment, new materials and chemicals.

The fair's online presence has expanded, with almost 50,000 companies uploading 3.75 million products - 60 percent and 50 percent increases, respectively, from the previous session, which sets new records. For the first time, a virtual digital human has been introduced, and the Canton Fair app has been launched to enhance the online experience.

Buyers from 209 countries and regions pre-registered for the fair, with 147,000 overseas attendees expected. In addition, 241 of the world’s top 250 retailers and major multinational corporations are attending, an 8.1 percent increase from the previous session.