The 137th Canton Fair was recently highlighted at a UK promotion conference held on March 22, 2025, in Glasgow, underscoring the robust trade relationship between China and the UK, particularly with Glasgow.
Jacqueline McLaren, the Lord Provost of Glasgow, kicked off the event by noting the city's long-standing connections with China, citing its sister city relationship with Dalian and its notable Chinese community. "Glasgow and China have a history of cultural, economic and social ties, and I am sure this conference will help to strengthen our bonds," McLaren expressed, showcasing pride in the city’s flourishing connections.
Dr. Duncan Booker, the Group Manager of Green Economy, Innovation, and International at the City of Glasgow, addressed the audience, enthusing about Glasgow’s position as the powerhouse of Scotland’s economy. He remarked, "It’s a real privilege and a genuine pleasure to talk about Glasgow’s growing relationship with China and the opportunities which the Canton Fair brings," highlighting the potential for increased bilateral ties.
Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the chamber’s ambition for international engagement. He noted that the chamber was founded in 1783, making it the oldest chamber in the English-speaking world with continuous records. "We at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce are delighted to engage with the 137th Canton Fair," he remarked, indicating the chamber's enthusiasm to promote trade opportunities.
A representative of the International Department of the China Foreign Trade Centre recognized the support from various sectors in the UK for the fair. He shared impressive statistics from the last event, stating that at the 136th Canton Fair, overseas buyers from 224 countries participated, with a remarkable 253,000 attending offline. More than 3,000 buyers from the UK participated in person, showcasing the significant interest from British businesses.
Looking ahead, the 137th Canton Fair is scheduled from April 15 to May 5, 2025. The representative emphasized the quality and innovation of companies exhibiting at the fair, stating, "We welcome UK businesses to attend the fair and expand cooperation opportunities." This invitation aligns with the fair's reputation as China’s longest-running and largest trade fair, which is renowned for attracting significant international participation.
Echoing earlier sentiments, Lord Provost McLaren stated, "It is quite a thought to consider that this is the 137th Canton Fair - one of the most important events to promote international trade between China and the rest of the world," reflecting the long-standing importance of this event in global trade dynamics.
The conference in Glasgow aimed to bolster awareness and excitement about the upcoming fair, showcasing the continued strength of China-UK trade ties. This collaboration signals a hopeful future for commercial growth and partnership opportunities in various sectors.
