Message from Secretary General of China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)

At the opening and celebration ceremony of the 100th Session of Chinese Export Commodities Fair, the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced, on behalf of the Chinese government, that from the 101st session, Chinese Export Commodities Fair (also known as the "Canton Fair") will be renamed as China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), marking a new historical starting point for the Canton Fair.

For the last 5 decades the Canton Fair took serving China's foreign trade as its responsibility. Today it has become a comprehensive international trade event in China with the longest history, the largest scale, the biggest variety of exhibits, the largest number of buyers and the highest turnover, and enjoys the reputation as "China's No.1 Fair".

The Canton Fair will be given more extensive and profound historical connections after being renamed as "China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)". The 2006 Central Economic Working Conference definitely set forth the important task of "vigorously expanding import", which clearly demonstrates the decision for a fundamental transformation in the implementation of the Chinese foreign trade strategy. Just like fifty years ago when China took a robust step forward to inaugurate the fair, Canton Fair will assume new tasks and set sail for a more brilliant prosperity.

Looking into the future, the Canton Fair, standing on a higher position with a wider horizon and a newer vision, will better server the reform, opening up and the economy construction; make further contributions to the overall goal of building a harmonious socialist society.

In the new historical scenario, as the organizer of the Canton Fair, the China Foreign Trade Centre, will continue to follow the philosophy of "Specialization, Market Orientation, Legalization, Industrialization and Internationalization" so as to effectively organize the fair, to endeavor to explore the organizing methods, mode of holding exhibitions and service system to gear ourselves to the new tasks and the higher demands, and to bring the Fair's experience in conformity with the international practice; It is imperative to effectively change our notion, make endeavors to enhance our service awareness, place excellent service as the foundation of our greater successes so as to keep the Canton Fair in a new historical period in line with the new situations and the higher demands as the world first-class trade fair.

With the utmost frankness and cordiality, the Canton Fair looks forward to your participation.

Wang Junwen
Secretary General of China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair)
&Director General of China Foreign Trade Centre