On April 15, the 125th China Import and Export Fair opened in Guangzhou. The Canton Fair is currently China’s longest-running, largest-scale, most comprehensive international trade event, boasting the widest variety of products, the highest number of attending buyers from the broadest range of countries and regions, the best transaction outcomes, and the strongest reputation. This session maintains a stable scale and an unchanged overall layout, with a total exhibition area of 1.185 million square meters and 60,651 booths. The fair will once again be held in three phases, with most abrasives and abrasive tools on display during the first phase (April 15–19).

　　Private enterprises have taken center stage, serving as the core driving force behind brand building.

　　According to reports, among the domestic exhibitors at this session of the Canton Fair, state-owned enterprises numbered 1,301, accounting for 5.24%; foreign-invested enterprises totaled 2,419, or 9.74%; and private enterprises reached 21,126, representing 85.03%. Private enterprises have thus become the largest group of exhibitors at the fair.

　　According to the latest data, in the first quarter, China’s private enterprises recorded imports and exports totaling RMB 2.84 trillion, up 9.9% year on year, accounting for 40.6% of the country’s total trade value—2.3 percentage points higher than the same period last year. Private enterprises have become the mainstay of China’s foreign trade, and the quality of their international trade is steadily improving.

　　This session of the Canton Fair featured 2,296 brand-name enterprises, and “brand” was one of the most frequently mentioned terms among both domestic and international exhibitors. Across the globe, well‑known brands typically demonstrate strong resilience in the face of risks, and the development of internationally recognized brands is often achieved through a global expansion strategy. For most Chinese companies, such globalization paths can be broadly categorized into four types: first, the export‑oriented model, in which firms seek to earn foreign exchange by exporting and quickly penetrate new markets—often relying on OEM/ODM arrangements—but without building a distinct Chinese brand; second, the factory‑establishment model, where production facilities are set up wherever the market lies; third, the acquisition model, whereby companies pursue technology and expertise wherever it can be found. While these three approaches represent efforts to “go global,” they fall short of true globalization. The fourth path, therefore, is brand‑building—pursuing fully independent brand creation. This route is the most challenging, yet it offers the fastest and most sustainable form of global reach. By forging their own brands, companies can truly integrate global resources, engage directly with customers worldwide, and ultimately chart a distinctive, innovation‑driven, quality‑focused path to global success.

　　The number of “three selfs and three highs” products is increasing, continuously strengthening innovation capabilities.

　　At present, a key priority for China’s foreign trade is to encourage the export of high‑tech, high‑quality, high‑value‑added products and to elevate China’s position in the global value chain. In line with the requirements of high‑quality development, this session of the Canton Fair has focused on enhancing the caliber of exhibitors, with leading companies across various sectors continuing to participate. The rate of product renewal exceeds 30%, and “three selfs and three highs”—namely, independent intellectual property rights, indigenous brands, independent marketing, high technological content, high added value, and high profitability—are steadily increasing.

　　At the Canton Fair, reporters observed that companies are placing increasing emphasis on independent innovation, striving to gain an edge through high‑tech content and high added value. Many small and medium‑sized enterprise leaders noted that the era of relying solely on low prices to drive volume has come to an end; instead, enhancing product technology and adding greater value have become the primary focus—and the most critical competitive advantages—in the global marketplace.

　　Business opportunities along the Belt and Road are becoming increasingly prominent, with diversified markets opening up new prospects.

　　Enterprises along the Belt and Road Initiative constitute the largest contingent of exhibitors at the Import Exhibition. This session of the Canton Fair’s Import Exhibition features participation from 21 countries and regions along the Belt and Road, accounting for 55% of the total number of participating countries and regions. Six national pavilions—representing Turkey, Egypt, India, Nepal, Malaysia, and Thailand—and two regional pavilions—China (Macao) and China (Taiwan)—make up 80% of all pavilions. A total of 383 companies are exhibiting, representing approximately 60% of the overall exhibitor base, with 630 booths, or 63% of the total booth count.

　　The Canton Fair is an important platform for advancing economic and trade cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. In recent years, on average about 80,000 participants from countries along the Belt and Road have attended each session, accounting for roughly 40% of the total— a share that continues to grow. By leveraging the Canton Fair, domestic enterprises can strengthen information exchange and foster industrial collaboration with businesses along the Belt and Road.

　　According to information gathered at this session of the Canton Fair, as the Belt and Road Initiative gains momentum and industrial cooperation deepens, demand for materials and tools—particularly abrasives and grinding tools—has surged. Chinese enterprises are well positioned to support infrastructure development in countries along the Belt and Road, having amassed extensive expertise and experience through their own domestic infrastructure projects, while also possessing substantial financial resources.

　　At present, as abrasive and grinding‑tool companies navigate a period of industrial restructuring, the question of how to break through the challenges has sparked widespread reflection and exploration across the entire sector. Whether it involves brand building, technological R&D, or the reinvention of marketing models, the key lies in shifting mindsets—seeking solutions by rethinking the way we approach business.