Steps to attend the Canton Fair

If you are looking to promote your business in Guangzhou, then the Canton Fair is the best event. The trade fair is the largest event to be organized in Guangzhou China and is the best platform that showcases China’s trade. Therefore, it becomes very essential for all business owners to participate in this event, if they want to promote their business in Guangzhou in particular, or in China in general.

Since the Canton Fair is one of the most important events held in Guangzhou, there are certain formalities that need to be fulfilled in order to attend successfully. First of all, it is important to get an invitation to attend the fair. This can be obtained from a variety of sources, including the CECF Foreign Liaison Department, the office of the Economic and Trade Counselor (Section) of the PR China Embassy (Consulate), and the Local Representative Offices of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. (CCPIT), among many others. It is important to provide your company details such as name, address, fax and phone numbers, email, etc. to obtain these invitation requests. For those business owners who stay and conduct business abroad, it is important to request such invitations at least two months in advance.

It is pertinent to note that an entrepreneur can visit the Fair without invitation but requires prior registration, which includes a service charge and is valid for a period of only 12 days. While this is possible, it is not advisable given the large number of people who attend the Canton Fair. Once the application has been duly completed and sent within the deadline, which is March 30 for the spring session and September 30 for the fall session, the entrepreneur can expect the invitation card by mail. This card is valid for three people from the same business.

Once you receive your invitation, the next step is to get your visa to come to China and visit the Canton Fair. After obtaining your visa, it is always advisable to book your hotel accommodation well in advance so that you do not have to pay exorbitant amounts. It is important to note that during the Canton Fair, hotels increase their rates by almost 400%. Therefore, booking your hotels in advance will help you avoid paying such exorbitant rates.

Finally, register for the Canton Fair by submitting your invitation card, personal documents such as your passport, business card, and a recent photo. Registration will ensure that you get a visitor’s pass, which is absolutely essential for those who wish to enter the Canton Fairgrounds.