The first phase of the 140th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, concluded successfully on October 19, with overseas buyer attendance recording double-digit growth.

As of October 19, about 189,000 overseas buyers from 214 countries and regions had attended the event, an increase of 13.3 percent compared with the same period of the previous session, according to official data.

Held in Guangzhou, capital of southern China's Guangdong Province, the Canton Fair is one of China's largest and longest-running international trade events. It is widely regarded as a key indicator of the country's foreign trade activity.

The rise in overseas attendance comes as Chinese businesses seek to expand their international presence and diversify export markets amid shifts in global trade. The fair provides overseas buyers with opportunities to meet suppliers, explore new products and establish business partnerships.