The opening ceremony of the 9th Chile Week Guangzhou event.

The 9th Chile Week Guangzhou event opened with great fanfare on Dec 6 in Guangzhou – capital of South China's Guangdong province – and ran to Dec 7. 

A key brand event held under the auspices of the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chile Week has been held annually since 2015 – becoming a key platform for commerce, trade and cultural exchanges between China and Chile.

The Guangzhou event has stood out as a highlight of Sino-Chilean exchanges, gathering representatives from governmental agencies, leading companies and industry associations from both countries to initiate a new chapter of friendly relations.

Coinciding with the 54th anniversary of China-Chile diplomatic relations, the latest edition of Chile Week focused on the themes of sustainable development, supporting SMEs, brand promotions and business opportunities.

It aimed to expand commerce and trade between the two nations and raise the profile of Chilean brands in China.

On the morning of the Dec 6, the opening ceremony in Guangzhou's Ritz-Carlton Hotel featured artistic performances blending Chinese and Chilean cultural elements – further bridging emotional and cultural ties between the two nations.

The subsequent Agriculture and Food Innovation Roundtable Forum concentrated on "industry development, opportunities and challenges, innovation and health."

It attracted the participation of Sino-Chilean industry associations and leading importers, examining the opportunities and potential for bilateral commerce and trade.

Representatives from Chile's meat association, fruit association, abalone association and pork industry association shared the latest information on industry trends.

Chinese importers held talks with their Chilean counterparts on topics like Chinese consumer habits, market potential, supply chain logistics, brand promotion and category innovations – offering fresh perspectives on trade.

The one-on-one business negotiations between Chinese and Chilean enterprises were one of the day's highlights. Some 26 Chilean companies and 70 Chinese importers participated in this side of Chile Week, completing over 200 rounds of business matchmaking talks.