On 19th March, Glasgow hosted the successful UK Promotion Conference for the 137th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) at the Merchants House. The event aimed to foster stronger trade relations between China and Glasgow.

The Lord Provost and Lord Dean of Guild welcomed around 100 organisations and business representatives to the event, which was supported by CBBC, CCCUK, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland. 

Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren opened the conference, highlighting Glasgow’s long-standing cultural and economic connections with China, including its sister city relationship with Dalian. Dr. Duncan Booker, Group Manager of Green Economy, Innovation, and International at Glasgow City Council, emphasised Glasgow’s vital role in Scotland’s economy and the city’s enthusiasm for engaging with the Canton Fair.

The conference also featured key figures like Richard Muir, Deputy Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the Chamber’s international strategy and its focus on China as a key trading partner. The representative of the International Department of the China Foreign Trade Centre expressed gratitude for the support from all sectors in the UK for the Canton Fair. He shared the success of previous fairs, noting the record-breaking participation from international buyers, including over 3,000 UK attendees, at the 136th Canton Fair.

The 137th Canton Fair, set to take place from 15th April to 5th May, 2025, is one of the world’s longest running and largest trade events and a major platform for international business opportunities. This conference marked another milestone in strengthening Glasgow’s growing relationship with China.