Canton Fair: advanced manufacturing among highlights of 140th session in Guangzhou

The 140th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, is set to open on 15 October in Guangzhou to celebrate its 70th anniversary. Running through 4 November, the landmark trade event features three distinct phases. 

Phase 1 operates from Thursday through October 19, the Global Times reports. It places its primary emphasis on advanced manufacturing, highlighting cutting-edge technologies and China’s latest industrial innovations.

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Spanning 520,000 square metres, Phase 1 includes more than 25,000 booths and over 12,000 exhibitors showcasing products across five major sectors: electronics and home appliances, industrial automation, lighting and electrical equipment, hardware and tools, and new-energy vehicles alongside smart mobility.

The layout prioritises global procurement hotspots such as new energy, intelligent manufacturing, and embodied intelligence driven by robotics, the Global Times says.

Exhibition highlights and technological upgrades

Specialised exhibition halls feature brain-computer interfaces, advanced energy storage solutions, high-end microchips, and artificial intelligence visualisation products. In industrial automation, visitors can expect humanoid robots, multi-dimensional tactile dexterous hands, and flexible production equipment designed to meet custom manufacturing demands. Meanwhile, new-energy exhibits focus on connected vehicles, wireless charging solutions, and improved energy efficiency.

For the first time, the event includes a dedicated new product debut zone equipped with digital interaction and business-matching facilities. 

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Organizers have planned over 700 product launch events, with total new product offerings increasing by 15 percent compared to the previous spring session. Increases are particularly prominent in service robots, smart healthcare, and green energy, where debuts are up by about 20 percent. 

Furthermore, organisers have introduced comprehensive digital updates across the venue, including full-venue booth-level navigation, augmented reality displays, and automated culinary robots operating within on-site restaurants.