HONG KONG, April 15 (Reuters) – China’s largest trade fair, held twice a year, opened on Wednesday in the southern city of Guangzhou, where more than 32,000 exhibitors are showcasing products over an area larger than 200 football fields.
* Held from April 15 to May 5 in three phases, the fairprovides a barometer of trade in China. * It is being held after data showed China’s export engineslowed sharply in March as war in the Middle East triggeredshocks to energy and transportation, hurting global demand andexposing the risks in Beijing’s strategy of leaning onmanufacturing to support growth. * The conflict has disrupted global growth, leaving Chinavulnerable as it has relied on foreign demand to offset aprolonged inability to revive consumption at home. * To accommodate buyers facing travel constraints, the fairis holding online events and livestreaming, organisers said. * The expo’s first phase includes electronics, manufacturingand new energy vehicles. The second phase offers housewares,building materials and furniture while the third phase featurestoys, fashion, home textiles and stationery. * The previous fair drew more than 310,000 overseas buyersfrom 223 countries and regions, according to its website.
(Reporting by Farah Master; Editing by Neil Fullick)