The 112th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, opened on October 14 in the city of Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. It's the country's biggest import and export event, making it an indicator of the economic climate.

Each year, the Canton Fair can generate up to a quarter of the nation's annual export revenue. And at this time when the world economy is once again facing setbacks in its slow recovery, people have turned their attention to this iconic event of the Chinese economy. How is the market really responding?

Wang Fang, Zhejiang Liper Group, said, "It is still very difficult. This year we expect that visitors will be one third less than last year, and with the yuan appreciating, it is cutting profit further for manufacturers in China."

Xu Peiqing, manager of Zhuguang Lighting Group, said, "We received several big orders in September for Christmas decorations and lighting. We are making the final deliveries this month, many clients are coming this autumn to make orders for next year's Christmas, we would start production around March, it seems to be a very promising year."

This strange contrast is also reflected in statistics. According to data released on the October 13, China's export revenue reached a record high in September. But seasonal demand played a big part of that, and it is still too early to judge. And apart from the bad global economic climate, some companies have more pressing troubles.

Chi Yunxian, Director of Qingdao Guoji Group, said, "Car tire manufacturers are under great stress, with some countries imposing punitive tariffs on Chinese tires. Even motorbike tires are facing possible trade barriers. We are watching closely for new developments."

For the Japanese delegation, the timing couldn't be worse. Any optimism has been dashed by the territorial dispute.

Nakano Koji, member of Japanese delegation, said, "As two close neighbors and major economic powers in the world, trade can benefit both countries. And Chinese market holds great potential to Japanese companies. We wish that the ties between our countries can continue without any disruptions."

In other places, especially in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), trade revenue saw robust growth in Russia and Brazil. These people remain positive about the emerging economies and the opportunities opened up to the Chinese exporters.

(CNTV.cn October 16, 2012)