A view of the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, on June 14. [Photo/China Daily]

GUANGZHOU - The 128th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as Canton Fair, kicked off online in South China's Guangdong province on Thursday.

It is the second time that the fair has moved online this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The previous online session was held in June.

The 10-day event has attracted around 26,000 domestic and overseas enterprises, with more than 2.35 million products spanning 50 exhibition areas in 16 categories.

Buyers from more than 210 countries and regions are expected to apply for attending the expo and hold purchasing negotiations during the event, according to the organizer.

Founded in 1957, the Canton Fair is seen as an important barometer of China's foreign trade.

The Chinese government's decision to hold the Canton Fair online under such unique circumstances is conducive to the safe and smooth operation of the international industrial and supply chains and stable foreign trade and investment, said Ren Hongbin, assistant minister of Commerce.

The fair can help safeguard the multilateral trading system and promote economic globalization, said Ren.