The 2017 Zhanjiang-ASEAN Agriculture Trade Fair was held at the Zhanjiang International Convention Center from June 9 to 11, attracting 200,000 visitors and amassing 2.89 billion yuan ($425.2 million) in agreements, including 1.87 billion yuan in letters of intent.

It is the second time that the city in southwest of Guangdong has held the three-day international agricultural expo – the largest of its kind in the province.

Sponsored by Guangdong Agriculture Industrialization Association and South Subtropical Crops Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science, the expo provides a platform for exchanges and business cooperation on plantation, cultivation, processing, logistics, services, talent, and market.

More than 900 enterprises attended this year, an increase of 11 percent from the previous session, including 269 from 30 overseas, especially ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), which has been the largest export market for Zhanjiang since 2013.

The fair set up various exhibition areas featuring ASEAN agricultural products, fruits, leisure tourism, Internet Plus creative agriculture, and poverty alleviation.

A total of over 4,900 new and special quality products such as fruit, tea leaves, and red wine were showcased at the fair, including the best from Zhanjiang to demonstrate its geographic advantages and advanced technology.

E-commerce giants such as Alibaba and Taobao provided more insight into modern agriculture by displaying their latest mobile and online platforms designed to expand sales channels.

There were also over 50 economic activities including investment promotion and networking events, as well as signing ceremonies.

Dozens of sales promotion events held in the hall attracted a number of buyers and sellers of flowers, crops, fruit, and horticultural products.

Merchants from ASEAN countries tour exhibition stalls to seek business cooperation and opportunities. [Photo/yinsha.com]

High-end forums including a summit forum for the tropical fruit industry were attended by famous entrepreneurs and experts who shared the latest developments in brand agriculture, financing, and overseas sales promotion.

The fair also hosted a creative agriculture park and farm tourism experience to invite professional suggestions as well as attract investment.

As a modern agriculture pioneer in China, Zhanjiang has intensified its efforts to facilitate exchanges with countries along the Belt and Road route as well as ASEAN members through exhibitions and trade fairs, according to the city's commercial bureau.

Source: China Daily Date: 2017-06-13