In less than 24 hours, the 104th rendition of China's largest import/export trade show, The Canton Fair, will commence in Guangzhou, with business owners from all over China and the globe traveling to Guangdong's capital to display their goods.

2008 been a difficult year for foreign, small-business owners in China, Olympic Visa restrictions forcing many to temporarily abandon Chinese operations during the hectic summer months; however, a new format, several new, loosened application policies and a permanent move to the Pazhou Exhibition Complex will, hopefully, ensure that this year's Canton Fair goes off without incident.

       Unlike years past, when the fair was divided into two 5-day segments, the 2008 Canton Fair will be held in three phases of four days each, the first beginning tomorrow, October 15th, and lasting until the 19th. Phase one will feature large and small machinery manufacturers, automotive, motorcycle and bicycle manufacturers, tools and hardware, chemical and sanitary products, electronic devices, lighting and building equipment.

       After a four day recess, Phase two of the fair will run from October 24th through the 28th. This portion of the trade show will focus on house-ware, glassware, furniture and decorations, gardening products, personal care products and toiletries, optical instruments, toys and gifts.

       The third, and final, segment will run from November second though the sixth, and concentrate on textiles, clothing, fur, leather, fashion accessories, shoes, bags and cases, food and medicines and health products and medical devices.

       Xu Bing, Deputy Secretary General and spokesman of the Canton Fair, previously explained that the new format is specifically designed with the intention that the longer time frame may allow a larger number of manufacturers and business owners the opportunity to display their products in Guangzhou.

       Aside from the scheduling change, the 104th Canton Fair is attracting larger numbers due to a new, more relaxed application process, not requiring participants to provide legal documentation concerning prior criminal records. This in now way means that the new policy will result in a high number of criminals attending the fair, but acquisition of notarized documents is often quite difficult (especially for Chinese nationals), making participation inconvenient for many.

       The final, major change for this year's expo is the completion, and sole use of, the new Pazhou Exhibition Complex. Construction on the building was completed earlier this year and officials hope that consolidating the event to one domain (previous fairs we're held and the Liuhua Expo as well as the unfinished Pazhou site) will make navigation easier, resulting in expanded appeal.

       For more information on the 104th Canton Fair, click here.