The 140th Canton Fair is currently underway in Guangzhou, marking its 70th anniversary. Shandong’s trade delegation has set new historical records in both the number of participating companies and booth scale: 3,330 enterprises, 5,693 booths, and 986 brand booths.

Without waiting or relying on others, Shandong companies are taking proactive action. With booths in high demand, they’ve moved matchmaking events to the “neighborhood” of the fair—50 overseas buyers engaged in precise with Shandong firms, resulting in multiple preliminary cooperation agreements on site. Behind these figures lies a tangible drive—a determined path forward that rejects passivity and embraces innovation and strength.

Products speak, technology supports. While there may be loud promotions, it’s product specifications and live demonstrations that truly matter. Companies have honed their craft so well that buyers only place orders after carefully reviewing test reports. This reputation is built one order at a time. When precision machining accuracy of Heze Huaxing fuel injectors was questioned down to micrometer levels, Bangladeshi buyers immediately adjusted their procurement plans. Zibo HuaXin Communications brought testing equipment to the scene, securing an immediate intent order worth approximately 1.5 million yuan.

Claiming center stage relies on industrial chain positioning. Shandong’s leading role isn’t seized—it’s earned through years of relentless R&D investment and technological breakthroughs.

Haier Smart Home unveiled its "AI Smart Home" integrated solution, backed by 17 consecutive global top rankings in large home appliance retail volume. Weichai Leivo’s E504 electric tractor attracted special attention from European buyers. Yantai Guoxing Intelligent made its debut with an explosion-proof firefighting reconnaissance robot. From selling products to offering solutions, standards, and capabilities, Shandong companies have transformed how they claim the spotlight.

Despite a challenging external trade environment marked by fluctuating demand and rising trade barriers, Shandong’s 3,330 companies still marched confidently into Guangzhou, achieving a strong start on day one. The Jinan delegation secured intended deals totaling $45.8065 million, up 3.26% year-on-year.

As the Canton Fair celebrates seven decades, Shandong enterprises have evolved—from carrying sample bags to find customers, to presenting comprehensive solutions for collaboration. Though the fair lasts only a limited time, their determination knows no bounds.

(Reported by Liu Ya from Dazhong Daily in Heze)