This October, the expectations are set high for the 108th session of the Canton Fair. As the world economy continues to recover from the crisis, the attendance of the Fair is expected to grow significantly larger than its previous session. Last Spring Fair, in April 2010, attracted 203.996 overseas buyers from 212 countries and regions, and export turnover totaled at USD 34.40 billion. According to the spokesman, Mr. Chen Chaoren, Deputy Secretary General of the Canton Fair, the 107th Canton Fair was held successfully with growth recovery in both overseas buyers attendance and export turnover, however the pre-crisis level has yet to be reached.

1. Holland Pavilion at the Canton Fair
GUANGZHOU – This October, the expectations are set high for the 108th session of the
Canton Fair. As the world economy continues to recover from the crisis, the attendance of the
Fair is expected to grow significantly larger than its previous session. Last Spring Fair, in April
2010, attracted 203.996 overseas buyers from 212 countries and regions, and export turnover
totaled at USD 34.40 billion. According to the spokesman, Mr. Chen Chaoren, Deputy
Secretary General of the Canton Fair, the 107th Canton Fair was held successfully with
growth recovery in both overseas buyers attendance and export turnover, however the pre-
crisis level has yet to be reached.
Due to its tremendous size, the fair holds great potential for Dutch business opportunities.
Each fair there are over 1.500 Dutch participants. The Consulate General of the Kingdom of
the Netherlands in Guangzhou is currently organizing a Holland Pavilion for the 108th
session, Autumn Fair in October 2010. Mr. Ton van Zeeland, Consul-General of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands, believes the realization of a Holland Pavilion at the Canton Fair will be an
excellent opportunity for Dutch companies to display their strengths in China, creating a
platform where new business relationships can be born and existing ones can be nurtured.
Twice a year the Canton Fair, also known as the China Import and Export Fair, is held in
spring and autumn since it started 53 years ago in the spring of 1957. It is China’s largest
trade fair of the highest level, a comprehensive and multi-functional event of international
meaning. It has the longest history, the largest scale and attendance, the most complete
exhibit variety, the broadest distribution of overseas buyers, and the greatest business
turnover of China. “The Canton Fair”, says Mr. van Zeeland, “is of international importance for
the world trade and while the Netherlands is one of the world’s leading export country, it is
only natural to be part of this enormous event”.
The participation of 48 Trading Delegations, consisting of over 20.000 of China’s top foreign
trade corporations and enterprises with good credibility and sound financial capabilities,
including foreign trade companies, factories, scientific research institutions, foreign invested
enterprises, wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and private enterprises, justifies its description
of being the largest trade fair of China. “The great thing about the Canton Fair is that a lot of
business deals are made on the spot, so exhibitors can instantly see the results of their
presence at the fair. While the China economy is growing vigorously, there is a growing
demand for middle and upper level products. This means excellent business opportunities for
Dutch companies”, says Mr. van Zeeland.
In addition to the traditional way of samples negotiation, there is also Canton Fair Online. The
Fair mainly focuses on export business, taking place in the domestic area of the Fair, tough
import trade in the international area is gaining popularity rapidly. Mr. van Zeeland: “It is the
Consulate-General’s task to stimulate business relationships between Dutch and Chinese
companies. With the support of the Consulate-General, this is truly a unique opportunity for
Dutch companies to participate in China’s largest trade fair. Besides assisting companies with
their applications, administration, and logistics, we will also provide several surrounding
activities such as public relations, promotion, contact with local government, and
matchmaking between buyers and sellers, doing everything we can to ensure the Holland
Pavilion’s first great success”.
All types of business activities such as economic and technical cooperation, exchanges,
commodity inspection, insurance, transportation, advertising, and consultation are conducted
in flexible ways. Business people from across the world are gathering at the Canton Fair in
Guangzhou, doing business and developing long-term successful relationships. Mr. van
Zeeland: “To all Dutch companies who have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to enter
the China market, expand their market potential, or internationalize their business, this is your
chance. Join us in the Holland Pavilion by contacting our project manager, Mr. Yuk Cheng
Lam, who speaks fluently Dutch, English, and Cantonese, and visit our website for more
information”.
Website: http://guangzhou-en.hollandinchina.org/

2. Concept of the Holland Pavilion at the 108th Canton Fair in October 2010.