Published by ChinaMNC · Bowang
Canton Fair at 70: What Premier Li Qiang's Remarks Mean for Foreign Founders in China
A practical read of the October 14 'Canton Fair and the World at 70' symposium for foreign founders: three partnership upgrades, China's stated policy direction on innovation, investment and supply chains, and the fair's future as a smarter, greener, more human-centered platform.
Why This Symposium Matters for Foreign Founders
On the morning of October 14 in Guangzhou, Premier Li Qiang attended a symposium marking 70 years of the Canton Fair, titled "Canton Fair and the World at 70." About 70 business representatives from nearly 30 countries and regions took part. Before the meeting, Li viewed an exhibition on the fair's 70-year history and presented commemorative badges and certificates to long-time participants. For foreign founders building a China presence, the remarks outline where policy support is heading — useful context when you plan market entry, local production or supply-chain partnerships.
Li described the Canton Fair as having grown alongside China's opening and development. In his framing it is both a showcase of China's openness and a window through which the world observes the country. He called it one of the few one-stop trade platforms globally with a full range of product categories and efficient service, a venue that gathers the latest products and technologies, and a bellwether for new forms of trade as well as a stage for traditional goods trade. Its stated principle — "trade with the world, benefit all under heaven" — was presented as a link for economic and commercial cooperation and a bridge for understanding and friendship.
Three Upgrades: A Roadmap for Foreign Companies
Li said business exchanges among participating companies have become more diversified and are gradually upgrading toward all-round partnerships. He highlighted three trends that he said can help companies use the platform better and capture opportunities in China's development.
1. From trade partner to innovation partner
Companies that move beyond buying and selling toward joint innovation can share more of the gains from technological progress. Li said China will continue to cultivate an open innovation ecosystem, strengthen the protection of foreign-related intellectual property, and actively address enterprise concerns. For founders with proprietary technology, this signals an emphasis on IP protection and on resolving practical complaints — worth tracking closely when drafting licensing or R&D agreements with Chinese counterparts.
2. From trade partner to investment partner
Investment ties can open more incremental market space, according to Li. He said China will keep improving the foreign investment environment, expand market access, and support foreign companies in localizing production. For founders weighing a wholly foreign-owned entity, a joint venture or a local manufacturing base, the stated direction is continued access expansion and support for localized operations — though the specifics will depend on the sector and applicable rules.
3. From trade partner to supply-chain partner
Deeper supply-chain cooperation can strengthen resilience against risks and shocks, Li said. China will accelerate the building of a modern industrial system and advance planning and construction of new-type power grids, computing networks and next-generation communications networks. He welcomed foreign companies to invest more in China, deepen their presence, strengthen mutually beneficial and practical supply-chain cooperation, and help build an open and inclusive global supply chain. He also encouraged Chinese and foreign firms to connect global supply and demand, lead international innovation cooperation and contribute to world economic and trade cooperation.
What the Fair Itself Will Look Like Next
Calling the Canton Fair a "golden signboard," Li said that from the 70-year mark it should be made brighter through three builds:
- Smart Canton Fair: develop more new scenarios and tracks so the event carries a higher digital and intelligent content.
- Green Canton Fair: introduce more green products and exhibition zones, promote green trade and contribute to the global green transition.
- Human-centered Canton Fair: emphasize the human and cultural dimension, promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, and deepen mutual understanding and friendship.
For founders, these themes suggest where exhibitor categories, product standards and event formats may shift — relevant if you plan to exhibit, source or launch products at future sessions.
What Business Representatives Said
Company representatives at the symposium said that over 70 years businesses from many countries have grown together with the fair. They noted that global supply chains are undergoing deep restructuring, that the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturing is strengthening, and that this makes an important contribution to world economic development. They described the Canton Fair as a highly trusted global business platform and said the Chinese government continues to apply precise policies and improve the business environment, helping companies achieve leapfrog development.
Foreign representatives said the fair empowers Chinese and foreign enterprises, expressed confidence in China's development prospects, and said they are willing to stay aligned with China, share innovation, grow together and pursue mutual benefit.
Practical Takeaways for Founders
- Use the fair as a sourcing and partnership funnel, not just a transaction venue — the stated direction is toward innovation, investment and supply-chain ties.
- Document IP early. With an emphasis on foreign-related IP protection, clear ownership and licensing terms in China-facing contracts remain essential.
- Evaluate localization. Stated support for foreign firms' localized production is relevant to decisions on manufacturing, warehousing or local service teams.
- Watch infrastructure themes. Mentioned priorities — new-type power grids, computing networks, next-generation communications — indicate sectors where supply-chain collaboration may deepen.
- Prepare for a greener, more digital fair. Green products and digital scenarios may shape exhibitor criteria and buyer expectations.
None of the above changes registration or compliance obligations on its own. Founders should confirm sector-specific market access, licensing and incentives with qualified advisers and the relevant authorities before committing capital.
This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.