China Trade Fair Canton Fair Held Online in June for the First Time in 63 Years...

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Park Sun-mi] The China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), the largest trade fair in China, which was postponed once due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) outbreak, will be held online in mid to late June. This is the first time in the 63-year history of the Canton Fair that it will be held online.

According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 8th, Premier Li Keqiang announced at the State Council executive meeting held the day before that the 127th Canton Fair will be held online in mid to late June. Since its inception in 1957, the Canton Fair has been held twice a year in spring and autumn, and this is the first time in its 63-year history that it will be held online.

Xinhua News Agency explained, "Currently, COVID-19 is spreading worldwide and the situation is serious," adding, "Domestic and foreign buyers will be invited to exhibit products online, and information and communication technology (IT) will be utilized to promote products, connect partners, and provide consultation services."

The Chinese government had previously announced that the spring Canton Fair, scheduled for April 15, would be postponed due to the spread of COVID-19. At the time of the announcement, the specific rescheduled date was not disclosed.

The first attempt to hold the Canton Fair online is a desperate measure devised to revive the economy hit by COVID-19. Since nearly 200,000 foreign buyers from over 200 countries and regions participate in the Canton Fair, it can serve as a catalyst to promote consumption and business activities.

Jiang Yansheng, senior researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, explained, "Online hosting has the advantage of enabling trade activities without being limited by spatial elements such as exhibition booths, conference rooms, and hotels," adding, "By integrating technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), it can promote high-quality trade development."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.