An aerial photo of the exterior of the 137th Canton Fair complex in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, on April 15, 2025. [Photo/VCG]

The first phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair concluded in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on April 19, and Quzhou-based companies made strong gains.

A total of 38 firms from the city participated, recording an intended transaction volume of $15.26 million, up 5 percent year-on-year.

Among the participants was Quzhou Sanrock Heavy Industry Machinery Co, a well-established manufacturer of drilling rigs and compressors. "This fair was fruitful — not only did some clients pay and place orders on-site, but several also booked factory visits," said Zhang Changsheng, a representative of the company.

Another key exhibitor, Zhejiang Universal Machinery Co, known for its diesel generators and mobile lighting towers, saw a surge in new interest.

"About 80 percent of the visitors we met were first-time contacts," said company executive Xu Hongwei. "We took time to walk them through our products like mobile surveillance trailers. These events are critical for expanding into new markets."

Meanwhile, Zhejiang Smile Tools Co, though lesser known online, reported that most of its over 100 visitors were new buyers from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. "Returning clients made up only 15 percent," said Lyu Rongjun, general manager of the company. "We're revising our market strategy to match this shift and exploring new regions."