Ethiopian producers and leaders in the import-export sector are looking forward to the upcoming 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), set to take place from April 15 to May 5 in Guangzhou, China. This prestigious trade fair is seen as a crucial opportunity for Ethiopian businesses to not only expand their market presence in China but also tap into broader international markets.

Kenenisa Lemi, the secretary-general of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (ECCSA), told Xinhua that the Canton Fair offers “a great opportunity” for Ethiopian businesses, particularly exporters of key commodities such as coffee and agricultural products, to increase their market share in China. Lemi expressed hope that Ethiopian producers could explore new trade relationships and business ventures not only in China but also with participants from around the world.

The Canton Fair, which has been held biannually since 1957, will stage its 137th edition at 1.55 million square meters of exhibition space. The event will bring together participants from over 200 countries and regions, offering Ethiopian exporters a prime opportunity to increase their market presence internationally.

Last week, a promotional seminar was held in Addis Ababa, organized to prepare Ethiopian businesses for the upcoming event. Senior Ethiopian government officials and business representatives from both countries discussed the opportunities the fair presents. During the seminar, experts from the China Foreign Trade Center emphasized how the fair could unlock broader market access for Ethiopian producers and exporters.

The seminar also highlighted the success of the previous 136th Canton Fair, which attracted over 253,000 onsite participants and 450,000 online attendees from 224 countries. This underscores the significant international reach of the event and the potential benefits for Ethiopian businesses.