Beirut, June 12, 2020
The China Foreign Trade Center and the Lebanese Chinese Business Association (LCBA) jointly hosted an online meeting to launch the 127th Canton Fair, which this year will be held virtually (on an online platform) from June 15 to 24 in China, with the participation of 25,000 Chinese and international companies.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Li Jing, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon, and her colleague Mr. Fan Xi from the Embassy’s Economic and Commercial Office; Mr. Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the LCBA; and former MP Shant Janjian.
From China, Mr. Yu Yi, Deputy Director of the International Communication Department of the China Foreign Trade Center, and Ms. Yu Huan, Head of International Services for the Canton Fair, participated.
From Lebanon, participants included Ms. Sara Saleh, representing the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of South Lebanon Mr. Mohammad Saleh; Mr. Hassan Nasreddine, Head of Industrial Services at the Ministry of Industry; and a group of Lebanese business owners and representatives, among them: Wissam Hejazi (Staunch Machinery), Maha Tlais (Ali Tlais for Electrics), Nathalie Touma (Clos St. Thomas), Zeinab Fadl Saleh (Fadl Saleh Trading), Ralph Nasrawi (Sonaco–Al Rabih), Abdullah Hejazi (Jbeili Agrotech), Ahmad Shamseddine (Ola), Reem Dairani (Ahmad Dairani Factory), Wisam Mahfouz (Mahfouz Stores), Jamil Kotb (Jamil Kotb Co.), and Rabih Esber (Esber Equipment).
Chinese Embassy
In her opening remarks, Ms. Li Jing, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Beirut, said that the Canton Fair is one of the world’s most important trade exhibitions, with a 63-year history.
She explained that due to the global COVID-19 crisis, the decision was made to hold this year’s edition online in order to maintain momentum in strengthening trade relations and to help sustain global economic and commercial stability.
She added: “The Lebanese are well known for their business success around the world and for their effective trade in Chinese products in international markets. We hope Lebanese companies will seize the opportunities provided by the Canton Fair. The economic and commercial team at the Embassy will do its utmost to ensure mutual success during this important event.”
LCBA
Ali Mahmoud El Abdallah, President of the LCBA, said that Lebanon is going through a critical phase that requires cooperation with friends worldwide, and China is a trusted partner.
He added that the 127th Canton Fair, held from June 15 to 24, is a global event that brings together the world in one place, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs to interact, complete deals, and achieve mutual benefits.
El Abdallah emphasized: “This year’s Canton Fair is held virtually due to travel restrictions, marking the dawn of a new era in global trade. Even before COVID-19, the digital transformation had begun — and today, we are continuing it across all our institutions. The fair is not just a platform for showcasing and purchasing products, but an international meeting point for traders and business leaders from all over the world.”
He added: “We are proud of the Lebanese companies joining us today and of their internationally recognized products. The Canton Fair offers not only business opportunities but also a lesson from China and its people on how nations transform from a consumer model to a productive one, from weakness to strength.”
China Foreign Trade Center
Mr. Yu Yi, Deputy Director of the International Communication Department at the China Foreign Trade Center, stated:
“On behalf of the Center and the Canton Fair, I express my sincere gratitude to Lebanese entrepreneurs for their continuous support and efforts to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between China and Lebanon. The Canton Fair is China’s window of openness to the world and a platform to promote international trade relations.”
He added that the global spread of COVID-19 has caused severe economic damage, prompting the Chinese government to hold the 127th Canton Fair online to support multilateral trade and global business continuity.
Yu explained that the online platform will feature 24-hour product showcases, enabling real-time negotiations and online orders between buyers and sellers — all from the comfort of their homes.
He noted that this edition of the fair will feature 25,000 companies, including 2,253 foreign-invested enterprises in China and 382 companies from 28 countries and regions outside China, presenting around 8.1 million products.