The first phase of the 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) recently concluded successfully in Guangzhou. Faculty and students from Beijing Normal University Business School (BNUBS) actively participated in on-site volunteer services for export compliance. Led by Teacher Wang Haicheng, two student volunteers received professional training and provided enterprises with consultation on export control compliance, information registration and on-site guidance. With solid professionalism and a rigorous work attitude, they contributed to the high-quality operation of the fair.

I. Gathering Merchants along the Pearl River: The Canton Fair Builds a New Bridge for Global Economic and Trade Cooperation

Booming along the Pearl River, the grand event draws merchants from across the globe. The 139th Canton Fair was grandly held by the river. Centered on the theme of Advanced Manufacturing, this edition fully showcased the remarkable achievements of China’s smart manufacturing and the robust momentum of new productive forces. As a major trade event marking the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, it serves as a key window for China to further open up and an important platform for global economic and trade exchanges.

The first phase ran from April 15 to 19, covering a total exhibition area of 520,000 square meters with over 25,000 booths. It attracted 167,000 overseas buyers from 216 countries and regions worldwide, representing a year-on-year increase of 5.9% and hitting a record high. Buyers from Belt and Road Initiative partner countries accounted for more than 60% of all overseas attendees, and the number of leading purchasing enterprises reached 290, up 30% year on year. Highlighting the trends of innovation, intelligence and green development, the fair displayed 740,000 new products and set up special zones for drones, smart wearables and other emerging sectors. Around 5,900 high-tech enterprises and specialized, sophisticated, distinctive and innovative firms took part in the exhibition, creating a vibrant atmosphere featuring vigorous innovation and fruitful business cooperation.

    II. Dedicated to Export Compliance Services for High-Quality Fair Operation

Responding to the call of the Ministry of Commerce, BNUBS selected faculty and student representatives to provide on-site support for the event and help build a high-standard platform for economic and trade exchanges. On April 14, Teacher Wang Haicheng and the two student volunteers attended systematic pre-service training. The participants thoroughly studied professional materials on export control and trade compliance, and got familiar with service standards, job responsibilities and emergency response procedures, laying a solid foundation for efficient on-site work.

On April 18, under the on-site guidance of Teacher Wang Haicheng, the two student volunteers delivered services concerning export control compliance. They offered on-site guidance to enterprise staff with relevant inquiries, sorted out their demands, and learned about their product categories, export markets and business models to ensure complete and effective communication. 

In accordance with standard procedures, the volunteers recorded enterprises’ basic information, main products, consulting questions and business scenarios accurately and in well-classified order, providing reliable data support for follow-up work. Drawing on what they had learned in training, they delivered basic compliance guidance and reminded enterprises to keep abreast of relevant policies. For complicated questions beyond the scope of basic guidance, they helped connect inquirers with compliance experts to ensure all demands were properly addressed. Throughout the service, the two volunteers performed their duties in a rigorous and pragmatic manner, fully demonstrating the professionalism and sense of responsibility of BNUBS students.

    III. Gains from Practical Experience and New Progress for Future Development

This volunteer work enabled BNUBS faculty and students to gain first-hand insight into the export control compliance needs of foreign trade enterprises and deepen their understanding of the importance of compliance management, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice. Students also came to recognize the tremendous value of the Canton Fair as a pivotal foreign trade platform and broadened their professional horizons.

The practical experience gained has provided valuable references for BNUBS to further optimize curricula, adjust talent training programs and foster interdisciplinary professionals proficient in foreign trade compliance.

Contributed by Master of International Business Program

Edited by Wang Haicheng

Reviewed by Sun Zhijun