The second phase of the 122nd China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, opened in southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Oct 23.

A total of 2,300 exhibitors will showcase their latest products in the areas of toys, gifts, handicrafts and pet products at more than 20,000 booths during this phase.

Overseas buyers pick out products on display at the 122nd Canton Fair held in Guangzhou. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]

The second phase of the 122nd Canton Fair will run until Oct 27.

At the opening, Chen Yunxian, deputy director of Canton Fair, inspected the second phase and visited a range of Guangdong-based exhibitors. Chen urged the companies to strengthen their efforts on intellectual property protection, technological development and increase their international competitiveness.

The first phase of the event, which concluded on Oct 19 and was dedicated to showcasing products in the areas of machinery, energy, building materials, electronics and lighting, attracted more than 100,000 purchasers.

The third phase, for textiles, shoes, food and medical products, will take place from Oct 31 to Nov 4.

Covering an exhibition area of nearly 1.2 million square meters, the fair offers more than 60,000 booths for exhibitions. With more than 25,000 exhibitors from both home and abroad to be showcased, the China Import and Export Fair is seen as a barometer of the country's foreign trade.

The second phase of 122nd Canton Fair begins on Oct 23 in Guangzhou. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]