A Zhanjiang delegation of 31 enterprises made an impact in the first phase of the ongoing China Import-Export Fair (also known as the Canton Fair) in Guangzhou, clinching deals and letters of intent worth more than $70 million.

The fair, seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade, consists of three phases with 25,583 companies from home and abroad exhibiting within a total area of 1.185 million square meters and 60,645 booths this year.

Phase 1 began on Oct 15 and will run until Oct 19. A collection of consumer electronics, household appliances, lighting products, spare vehicle parts, machinery, hardware & tools, building materials, and energy products are on display.

Visitors browse rice cooks on display at the China Import-Export Fair in Guangzhou. [Photo/Xinhua]

According to Liang Zhu, general manager assistant of Wuchuan-based Guangdong Hotor Electrical Appliance, the market is doing well this year, and the company's transaction volume is expected to increase by about 40 percent from 2017.

In additional to traditional Southeast Asian and African buyers, there are now more new faces from the United States and Europe attending the fair. They all have a strong desire to buy, said Lu Runhua, president of Guangdong Huaco Electrical Appliance Group Co Ltd.

It is worth noting that a Zhanjiang-made limousine is also debuting at the Canton Fair for the first time. The new model by Zhanjiang Zhongxin Electric Co Ltd is well-equipped with a toilette, kitchen, sofa bed, and other facilities. 

Phase 2 will take place from Oct 23 to 27, and focus on daily consumer goods, as well as gifts and home decor.

A guide introduces products to foreign buyers. [Photo/Xinhua]