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Ahmadul Kobir from Guangzhou, China: Bangladeshi businesspeople and entrepreneurs are making a notable presence at the 140th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, seeking direct business links with Chinese manufacturers, exploring new products and expanding their operations at home.
Importers, wholesale traders and young entrepreneurs from different parts of Bangladesh are attending one of the world’s largest international trade exhibitions not only to explore products but also to identify business opportunities, source new technologies and build long-term partnerships with Chinese companies.
Their growing participation has added a new dimension to this year’s fair, which showcases technological advancements, industrial innovations and emerging global business trends.
The 140th edition of the Canton Fair began on October 15 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, and will continue until November 4. Held twice a year, in spring and autumn, since 1957, the fair is jointly organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Guangdong Provincial Government and has become a major platform for international trade and business networking.
A visit to the exhibition halls reveals a significant presence of Bangladeshi businesspeople alongside buyers from around the world. They have shown particular interest in electronics, household appliances, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, solar energy solutions, new energy vehicles, robotics and smart technologies.
While some are looking for new products to introduce to the Bangladeshi market, others are exploring affordable technological solutions and reliable sources of supply to strengthen their existing businesses.
Entrepreneurs say one of the main advantages of attending the Canton Fair is the opportunity to communicate directly with Chinese manufacturers. Rather than relying entirely on intermediaries, they can discuss product quality, production capacity, pricing, minimum order quantities, transportation and supply arrangements face to face.
The exhibition also allows buyers to compare products and prices from multiple manufacturers under one roof, helping them identify suitable products and make more informed business decisions.
For young entrepreneurs, the fair is opening new doors to business opportunities. Those planning to launch ventures in Bangladesh can gain first-hand knowledge of products with international market potential, modern manufacturing processes and emerging business ideas.
Many are considering developing their own brands, establishing long-term supply agreements with Chinese companies and introducing new products to the Bangladeshi market.
Ujjal, a young entrepreneur from Cumilla attending the fair, said his first visit had given him a clearer picture of the scale of opportunities available.
“This is my first visit to the Canton Fair. After coming here, I have realised how vast the business opportunities are. The more I explore, the more new products and business ideas I discover. I am particularly interested in identifying products that could generate demand in Bangladesh,” he said.
Sayem, a businessman from Sylhet whose primary business is in electronics, said attending the fair had enabled him to communicate directly with manufacturers and better understand the market.
“This is my first time attending the fair. I am exploring different types of products and communicating directly with manufacturers. It gives me a clearer understanding of product quality, prices and supply arrangements. I plan to use these business contacts to expand my operations after returning to Bangladesh,” he said.
Bangladeshi businesspeople believe that regular participation in international trade fairs such as the Canton Fair could bring positive changes to the country’s import sector. Direct communication with manufacturers can help reduce sourcing costs, improve quality control and ensure greater transparency in supply chains.
At the same time, introducing new products and technologies into the domestic market could expand consumer choices, create new business opportunities and generate employment.
According to the organisers, the exhibition has attracted buyers from more than 214 countries and regions, with participation exceeding 500,000. The fair is being held in three phases, each focusing on different product categories and industries.
The first phase, held from October 15 to 19, featured household electrical appliances, consumer electronics, information technology products, industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, new energy vehicles, smart mobility solutions, robotics and electrical equipment.
The second phase, from October 23 to 27, showcased furniture, home decoration products, construction materials, sanitary ware, kitchen equipment, ceramics, glassware, gifts and a wide range of everyday consumer goods.
The third and final phase began on October 31 and will continue until November 4. It features garments, textiles, footwear, bags, toys, medical equipment, healthcare and personal care products, maternal and infant supplies, food products, and sports and tourism-related goods.
The final phase offers significant sourcing opportunities for Bangladeshi importers, particularly those interested in garments, textiles, footwear, bags, toys and everyday consumer products.
Manufacturers from around the world are displaying their latest innovations and technological developments at the fair. Robotics, intelligent manufacturing systems, solar energy solutions, energy-efficient technologies and smart equipment are among the major attractions.
These technological developments could also create opportunities for Bangladesh’s industrial and manufacturing sectors, particularly in modernising production systems, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
For Bangladeshi entrepreneurs, however, the importance of the Canton Fair extends far beyond importing products. It offers an opportunity to understand international market trends, identify potential business partners, explore advanced manufacturing technologies and assess emerging consumer demands.
Entrepreneurs say making the most of these opportunities requires proper preparation, including careful assessment of product quality, import costs, customs duties, market demand and supply chain arrangements.
The growing participation of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs reflects the country’s increasing interest in expanding its international commercial networks. If the contacts and experiences gained at the exhibition are translated into effective business partnerships, the fair could help strengthen Bangladesh’s import trade, support small and medium-sized enterprises and encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs.