GUANGZHOU, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The second phase of the 138th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) opened on Thursday in south China's Guangzhou city, highlighting quality home products.

The two phases of the event have drawn over 157,000 overseas buyers from 222 countries and regions, marking a historic high and a 6.3 percent increase from the previous session, according to the organizer.

Focused on household items, gifts, decorations, building materials, and furniture, the second phase features more than 10,000 exhibiting enterprises.

International buyers praised the fair as indispensable for global trade, describing China's resilient industrial and supply chains as a stabilizer in turbulent times.

A Canadian purchaser noted China's advanced robotics and automation, while a Georgian buyer highlighted the value of face-to-face exchanges after having participated 20 times.

The second phase attracted 145 major global retailers, including Target and Kingfisher, signaling strong confidence in China's role as a manufacturing hub.

Scheduled from Oct. 15 to Nov. 4 across three phases, the 138th Canton Fair boasts a record 74,600 booths and over 32,000 exhibitors.

(Source: Xinhua)