Canton Fair 'modest' against weak growth

The growth of buyers at China's largest international trade fair remained modest against the lackluster demand from mature economies.

The first phase of the 115th China Import and Export Fair, which was held from April 15 to 19, attracted 101,198 foreign buyers, up 10 percent from the previous session last fall.

But the figure failed to match last year's spring session, mainly due to the slump among European merchants, which traditionally constitute a great share of buyers.

The bi-annual event is widely perceived as the parameter of the Chinese economy and trade condition. Liu Jianchao, deputy director-general of China Foreign Trade Center under the Ministry of Commerce, expects the ongoing fair to draw over 200,000 international buyers before it closes on May 5.