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By Meng Fanrong

GUANGZHOU, Apr. 28 (China Economic Net)- The 139th China Import and Export Fair, widely known as the Canton Fair, is in full swing in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, running from April 15 to May 5. As Phase 2 concluded on April 27, Pakistani buyers have demonstrated growing enthusiasm across the fair¡¯s three phases, from high-tech electronics to home furnishings and toys.

The 139th China Import and Export Fair. [Photo by Cindy Chen]

This edition has also introduced nine new specialized zones, including consumer-grade drones, smart wearables, display technology, integrated housing, and courtyard facilities ¡ª showcasing some of China¡¯s most advanced consumer and industrial innovations. Phase 1 of the fair, which covered five major sectors including electronics and home appliances, industrial manufacturing, lighting and electrical equipment, hardware and tools, as well as vehicles and two-wheelers, drew particular amazement from Pakistani visitors.

Cindy Chen, Regional Director of Mera PC, a Pakistani business facilitation firm that has served as an official ¡°Trade Bridge¡± partner for the Canton Fair in Pakistan since the 136th session, has been leading Pakistani buyers through all three phases. ¡°During Phase 1, our buyers were truly amazed by the robots, high-tech products, and innovative designs,¡± Chen said. ¡°They are very hopeful that such technologies can be brought to Pakistan.¡±

That initial sense of wonder gave way to a pressing commercial interest as the fair moved into its second phase. Phase 2 focused on the theme of ¡°Quality Home Life¡± and featured 25,000 exhibition booths, showcasing a wide range of home d¨¦cor, gifts, and household items. The third and final phase, scheduled to run from May 1 to May 5, will showcase toys, maternity and baby products, clothing, sports and leisure goods, and pet items. ¡°By Phases 2 and 3, when they see gifts, home furnishings, baby products, and toys, they tell me they urgently want to bulk-procure these items for Pakistan,¡± said Chen.

This shift from curiosity to concrete sourcing plans reflects a clear gap in the Pakistani market. Chen explained that local consumers currently face limited options. ¡°Distributors in Pakistan want to supply high-quality goods,¡± she said. ¡°If Chinese original manufacturers can cooperate with them to bring high-quality, stylish products to Pakistan, the market potential is enormous.¡±

As of the close of Phase 2, the 139th Canton Fair had attracted 245,000 overseas buyers from 219 countries and regions, marking a 2.2 percent increase over the same period in the previous session, with a total of 140 overseas commercial organizations sending delegations to the event.

Since Mera PC started its partnership with the Canton Fair, the number of registered Pakistani buyers has grown to approximately double, according to Chen. Representatives from major Pakistani chambers of commerce, including the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, are attending the fair this year.