Premier Li calls for open world economy as Canton Fair marks 70 years

From affordable consumer goods to cutting-edge technologies, the Canton Fair has connected China with global markets for seven decades.

As the 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair opened in Guangzhou on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for greater market connectivity and an open world economy to expand opportunities for all.

"Throughout the years, China has been committed to integrating its domestic market with the international markets for joint growth," Li said in his opening address, adding that China is ready to work with all countries to build an open world economy and strengthen market connectivity so as to make the global market bigger and deliver greater benefits to all.

Li described China as both a "super seller" and a "super buyer." As a "super seller," affordable Chinese goods have significantly increased the actual purchasing power of global consumers.

As a "super buyer," China helps to boost the prosperity of other countries.

Marking the fair's 70th anniversary, Li highlighted its growth through openness.

Over the past seven decades, the Canton Fair has attracted buyers from more than 220 countries and regions, with the total value of business deals reaching $1.6 trillion.

Super seller: Adding momentum to the global economy "As a 'super seller,' China brings benefits to its trading partners," Li said.

Affordable Chinese goods have boosted purchasing power and living standards in importing countries.

Meanwhile, advances in AI, green energy and biomedicine have brought fresh momentum and opportunities to the global economy.

This fair features 32,000 exhibitors, 64% of which use technologies such as industrial internet and AI.

Green products account for a record 26% of the exhibits.

The first phase, themed "Advanced Manufacturing," features more than 25,000 booths and over 12,000 exhibitors, showcasing electronics, household appliances and industrial automation.

It also focuses on new energy, intelligent manufacturing and embodied intelligence, with 17 zones dedicated to emerging and future industries, including service robots, drones and display technologies.