The China Import and Export Fair Complex is filled with traders as the third phase of the 121st China Import and Export Fair gets underway in Guangzhou on May 1. [Photo by Lu Hanxin/Xinhua]

The third phase of 121st China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair got underway on May 1, the last day of the three-day May Day holiday, showcasing well-designed and innovative products.

The five-day fair allows traders to explore opportunities in categories of textiles and garments, office supplies, cases and bags, and recreation products, and medicines, medical devices and health products.

Faced with an increasingly competitive global environment, many importers and exporters have turned to R&D, cross-border e-commerce, and brand building.

A company, based in Zhumadian, Central China's Henan province, opened up to its European and American markets by setting up sampling and design centers and employing skilled professional designers last year. It also tailored its product structures to medium and high-end customer needs.  

A foreign trader selects office supplies at the 121st China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, May 1. The third phase of the fair is held from May 1 to 5. [Photo by Lu Hanxin/Xinhua]

The time-honored Canton Fair has always tried to help Chinese tea enterprises go global. This year's spring fair also sees some tea companies innovate their products and services to get bigger orders.

Foshan Guangqing Tea Co, one of the exhibitors, brings its new product–instant tea power to the stand. "It was well received by purchasers from Southeast Asia and the Middle East on the first day of the third phase," said an employee at the company. "We also use the e-commerce platform to promote our products and keep improving our after-sale service."

A special area for imported products has also been established for domestic and overseas enterprises as well as several seminars on clothing, color and fashion and matchmaking meetings.

A foreign buyer selects porcelain vases at the 121st China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, on April 27, the last day of the second phase. [Photo by Lu Hanxin/Xinhua]