An increasing number of small and medium-sized enterprises are stepping outside of their own countries and regions to reach global markets with the help of an important annual fair in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province.

The China International SME Fair - which has focused on establishing a platform for displays of transactions, exchanges and cooperation among SMEs around the world since 2004 - will be held from Oct 10-13 in Poly World Trade Expo Center this year, according to the event's organizer.

"We have designed a series of activities to bring substantial benefits and business opportunities to international SME exhibitors, so that they can better participate in the industrial and economic chains of the world," said He Zuoxian, deputy director-general of the Guangdong SME Bureau and director-general of the China International SME Fair Bureau.

He, speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday, said activities at the fair would include cross-border business matchmaking events, a promotional tour along the Belt and Road countries and regions, investment and funds sourcing promotions especially for overseas delegations, as well as procurement meetings.

So far, delegations from 28 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed they are attending, with reservations for almost 1,100 stands - accounting for about 45 percent of all booths at the October fair, according to the organizer.

The United Arab Emirates is the co-host country of the fair for the first time, said He, bringing the total number of foreign co-hosts to 18 since the show was launched.

The UAE delegation will comprise some 75 SMEs from a broad range of sectors: agriproducts, trade and retail, innovation, technology, hospitality, industries and manufacturing. These will cover a total exhibition area of 800 square meters, said Rahma Alshamsi, UAE consul general in Guangzhou.

A number of countries - including Bulgaria, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar - have shown great interest in co-hosting the fair in the future and will hold talks with the organizers during the event, He said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, which co-hosted the fair last year, has agreed to take the role for the next five years starting from this year. He said the move would give impetus to the consistent development of SMEs across the globe.

Zhang Linhe, head of the business unit in the Ofice of Japan External Organization in Guangzhou, told the briefing that 29 companies from a variety of industries - including food, beauty products, fashion and metalware - would join the Japanese delegation. Zhang said 17 of these are new to the event.

"Japanese companies have attached more importance to Guangdong's market. They are looking for local partners and intend to use the fair to take bigger market shares," Zhang said.

Vasin Ruangprateepsaeng, consul general of Thailand in Guangzhou, said the fair not only served to strengthen business and trade cooperation between his homeland and the province, but also provided a platform for countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We have carefully selected some 50 companies from more than 100 candidates, to bring quality commodities, food and artworks with traditional Thai techniques to the people in Guangdong," he said.

According to statistics from the organizers, more than 8,850 SMEs from abroad have participated in the fair over the past 14 years, accounting for nearly 20 percent of all the exhibitors.

chenhong@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/16/2018 page7)