Qidong-based Ant Machinery sets up a booth at a trade fair. [Photo/WeChat account: qidongfabu]

Nantong Change Electric Tool in Qidong has successfully established connections with many of its international clients through trade exhibitions. According to Tang Shuisheng, the chairman, trade fairs are not only a key platform for customer engagement but also provide valuable insights into market dynamics, industry trends, and emerging product demands.

Change Electric Tool participates in five to six industry exhibitions annually, in addition to the Canton Fair. These efforts have proved effective in expanding the customer base. "Our clients from countries like Russia, Poland, and Romania were all introduced to us through trade shows," Tang shared. After initial contacts are made at the fair, clients typically visit the company, compare options, and undergo further evaluation before officially placing orders.

Similarly, Nantong Ant Machinery, a manufacturer of small outdoor machinery, has built a global sales network, with products sold in countries including Australia, Germany, Canada, Kazakhstan, and New Zealand. The company secures at least 15 percent of its annual sales through the Canton Fair held in April and October each year.

In 2024, foreign trade sales accounted for 90 percent of the company's total revenue. Popular products like handling trucks, construction machinery, and garden tools are in high demand, particularly in Malaysia's oil palm plantations.

Yao Luhua, deputy general manager of Qidong Jinhe Foods, believes that trade fairs provide an excellent opportunity to communicate directly with customers. In October 2023, the world's largest food exhibition was held in France, where Yao brought two boxes of products to exhibit. During the fair, he met with nearly 30 European clients who expressed strong interest in Jinhe's new products and requested customized options.

In 2024, Qidong's total foreign trade value reached 41.31 billion yuan ($5.71 billion), a 29.9 percent year-on-year increase, setting a historical record. Exports amounted to 32.14 billion yuan, up 36.2 percent.