Foreign trade ‘not optimistic’ at Canton Fair  

Guangzhou (CNS)—Forecasts for the number of participants at the ongoing Autumn Canton Fair, including buyers and exhibitors, are "not optimistic," Liu Jianjun, a spokesman for the fair, said at a press conference on Sunday.

Fewer people attended on the opening day, he added.

At previous fairs, clients used to come and talk to us, but now many of them have chosen not to attend to save money, said Ye Xiangyu, general manager of People Electric Appliances Group.

China's foreign trade will face a serious situation in the coming months because of the downward trend of the world economy, Liu said.

The European debt crisis represents a major reason behind declining external demand, prompting the State Council to work out policy incentives to promote steady development of China's foreign trade.

With such incentives as a positive factor, the motivation for self-improvement holds the key to development of a foreign trade company, said Ye Xiangyu.

His opinion was echoed by Lin Limin, general manager of Haolibest Lighting Company. Lin said his company has become more customer-oriented and given more priority to product innovation and internal management.