The phase one of the 105th session of Canton Fair concluded in Guangzhou, South China, on Sunday. 

The registered overseas buyers amounted to 78, 296 till April 18, less than 10% down, and the transaction sum dropped by about 20%, compared with last session.

The European visitors decreased from 15, 315 to 10, 262 while the Americans were fewer by about 10% than last session.

The African visitors soared from 6,942 to 8,766.

Most of the orders were from and to Europe and the U.S..

A pavilion of the 105th session of Canton Fair at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou in April, 2009.

Foreign exhibitors for China's import feel happy

Almost all of the interviewed multi-national exhibitors in the import section felt happy with the orders they received, which was beyond original expectations and even higher than last session.

395 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions: fewer than last year, took part this time.

Many countries offer substantial allowances to their own exhibitors. Malaysian companies received allowances from their government equal to 50% of their stall rental, flight tickets, and accommodation costs.

The fair started with few visitors on the first day as expected, but returned to boom from the second day, resulting in more and more orders.

Four foreign visitors pose at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou during the Canton Fair. (Nanfang Daily)

Cautious buyers visit factories

As is usual in the fair session of export, many potential traders want to visit the exhibitors' factories to get a real idea of their manufacturing capacity. "It shows the buyers are more cautious than before", one exhibitor said.

Extra activities after the fair hours

Local authorities and Chinese companies arranged networking and business negotiation activities after the fair hours for more opportunities

For instance, the ¡®Business Networking Evening between Buyers and Guangdonger Entrepreneurs' involved some 100 foreign buyers and Guangdonger representatives of electronics industries.

Chinese Hi-tech companies vie for overseas market expansion

Many Chinese HI-tech exhibitors, who were at the fair for the first time this year, targeting overseas markets, found their products were well-received.

The original Interactive Electronic White Board of Shenzhen-based Dragon Company was in hot sale ¨C more than 1,000 sets (over 1,000 USD each) sold in 5 days.

"We received about 4, 500 business cards!" said its director of international marketing.

(By Ronald Li)