Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, unveiled a three-year action plan on April 8 aimed at making it easier for international buyers to source goods from the city's renowned specialized wholesale markets.
The three-year action plan was released at a press conference on April 8.
Specialized wholesale markets focused on specific industries such as textiles, leather, or cosmetics are a cornerstone of Guangzhou's commerce. In 2025 alone, these markets welcomed over 20 million overseas buyers, with export value surging by 39.5 percent to 10.95 billion yuan. Accordingly, making procurement in these markets more convenient for foreign buyers become a priority.
Fashion show showcases Guangzhou's fashion offerings.
The action plan calls for greater payment convenience. Major foreign card services will be enabled for core vendors in key business districts, allowing overseas buyers to shop across the city with a single card.
To improve on-the-ground support, the city will set up foreign buyer service centers at major markets, staffed by international volunteer teams offering translation, legal advice, and foreign exchange services. Multilingual signage will also be expanded.
Foreign buyers at Guangzhou's Liuhua Fashion Wholesale Market.
Customs efficiency is another priority. The city intends to cut clearance times and lower procurement costs through simplified declaration procedures, establishment of bulk-cargo consolidation centers, and one-stop foreign trade service hubs.
Yiyou International Auto Parts Commodities Trading Center.
The plan also boosts trade matchmaking, encouraging the participation of 100 wholesale markets overseas and 2,000 merchants in international exhibitions each year. An annual Global Buyers & Specialized Markets Matchmaking Conference will be held, and during the Canton Fair, ten dedicated bus routes will link the exhibition complex directly to key wholesale markets in Guangzhou.
Leather wholesale market in Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is home to 508 specialized wholesale markets, hosting around 160,000 merchants. Many of them play a pivotal role in global trade. Zhongda Fabric Market, for example, is the world's largest textile and fashion accessories hub, and the leather market in Shiling Town supplies over half of Europe's and America's leather goods market.
With these steps, Guangzhou aims to cement its status as the go-to destination for global buyers seeking high-quality, diverse products with speed and ease.