GUANGZHOU, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, opened on Wednesday in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, hosting a record number of over 32,000 participating enterprises. The event offers a glimpse into new dynamics of the country's trade landscape in the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

First held in 1957, the Canton Fair takes place twice a year in Guangzhou. It is the longest-running comprehensive international trade event in China and has long been seen as a barometer of the country's foreign trade.

As of April 9, 290 leading purchasing enterprises had confirmed their attendance in the latest edition, marking a 30 percent year-on-year increase.

Zhu Yong, head of the China Foreign Trade Center, said the new buyers come mainly from Belt and Road partner countries, with notable growth from Latin America and Africa.

The number of exhibition zones has risen to 179, including nine new sections covering smart wearables, display technologies, consumer drones, modular houses and garden facilities, according to the organizers.

At the consumer drone section, the innovation trajectory of China's low-altitude economy was on full display, showcasing new technologies and applications ranging from aerial photography to emergency response equipment and inspection tools.

Zhejiang RongQe Technology Co., Ltd. brought heavy-lift and multi-rotor drones suitable for agricultural spraying, logistics delivery, urban management and emergency rescue.

Liu Junjie, vice president of the company, said it expects to find more clients beyond its traditional export markets of Europe and West Asia.

"Chinese drone manufacturers stand out globally thanks to the most complete supply chain, relatively low costs and high quality," said Liu, adding that when customers need customized solutions for specific industries, Chinese manufacturers are a compelling choice.

Last year, the 138th edition of the fair recorded on-site intended export deals worth a total of 25.65 billion U.S. dollars.

Since the start of this year, foreign trade companies have actively expanded markets, showing strong resilience and vitality. According to the General Administration of Customs, China's foreign trade in goods surged 15 percent year on year to 11.84 trillion yuan (1.73 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2026.

The 15th Five-Year Plan calls for strengthening the functions of trade promotion platforms and continuing to host major events such as the China International Import Expo, the Canton Fair and the China International Fair for Trade in Services.

Pierre Petitdemange, a sourcing director from the French retail group Auchan Retail, first attended the Canton Fair in 2019.

"The moment I stepped into the exhibition hall, I was amazed by the dazzling array of products -- from exquisite home goods to smart appliances, from playful toys to practical personal care accessories...." Petitdemange recalled. "Each item told a story of the upgrading of 'Made in China'."

He also noted that Auchan's annual non-food procurement volume in China has exceeded 300 million euros (about 354 million U.S. dollars).

"Every visit to the Canton Fair has brought new surprises. It's not just a trading platform. It's a source of inspiration," he said.

Wang Zhihua, an official with the Ministry of Commerce, said nearly 20 percent of the over 32,000 enterprises at this year's Canton Fair have made outbound investments, creating over 200,000 local jobs and contributing positively to local economic and social development. ■