By Sohaib Shams
Artificial intelligence is playing an expanding role in facilitating trade at the 140th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, where new AI-powered platforms are helping overseas buyers and Chinese suppliers match, negotiate and close deals more efficiently.
AI Sourcing Tool Streamlines Procurement
British buyer Valentine Raphael used the SourcingAI 3.0 platform, launched by Made-in-China.com, to quickly finalise a procurement list for computer numerical control machine tools and power machinery. The tool analysed his requirements for equipment performance, delivery time, certification and after-sales service, enabling a preliminary cooperation agreement with Chinese suppliers. Lu Yi, vice-president of Focus Technology Co, the platform's developer, said the AI partner provides a more efficient and reliable trade matching experience, assisting buyers through product selection, negotiation, transaction and fulfilment.
AI Agent Simplifies Cross-Border Finance for SMEs
Ant International, the overseas arm of Ant Group, introduced Wyn, a generative AI agent for small and medium-sized enterprises, during the fair. Accessible via the WorldFirst app and website, Wyn allows SMEs to manage global account workflows — including account opening, payments, foreign exchange and intelligent fund management — through natural language instructions. Shi Wenyi, senior vice-president of Ant International and CEO of WorldFirst, said intelligent tools are becoming a key factor in the digital trade and globalisation efforts of SMEs, adding that demand for such payment and fund management services will grow after the fair.
The first phase of the Canton Fair concluded on 19 October with more than 32,000 Chinese companies showcasing their latest products and services.
