On September 3, 2026, the 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) officially commenced at Zone D of the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou. As a highly anticipated economic and trade event in China's SME sector this year, this edition of CISMEF not only showcases the innovative vitality of SMEs worldwide but also plays a pivotal role in promoting international economic and trade cooperation and facilitating industrial upgrading.
Held during the APEC "China Year," this year's CISMEF carries special historical significance and contemporary relevance. The fair is held concurrently with the 32nd APEC SME Ministerial Meeting in Guangzhou, innovatively achieving deep synergy through the "One Conference, One Exhibition" model. One platform focuses on macro-level policy dialogue, exploring international trends and cooperation mechanisms for SME development; the other centers on micro-level enterprise exhibition, trading, and pragmatic cooperation. This policy-business integration model creates a seamless continuum from policy communication to market matchmaking for SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
In terms of internationalization, this year's CISMEF has delivered impressive results. Reportedly, over 2,000 enterprises from home and abroad have registered to participate, with the total number of booths exceeding 3,700. Notably, all 21 APEC member economies have confirmed their participation, fully demonstrating the strong appeal of CISMEF as an international economic and trade platform. The international and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan exhibition areas feature a carefully curated 718 booths, bringing together 510 enterprises from 43 countries and regions as well as international organizations. The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises of Indonesia and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization serve as the Guests of Honor for this edition. Indonesia has set up a dedicated exhibition area of approximately 1,300 square meters to集中展示 local enterprises' featured products and innovative achievements, providing an intuitive window for Chinese and foreign enterprises to deepen industrial capacity cooperation.
Focusing on the industrial frontier, artificial intelligence has emerged as the most prominent and core theme of this year's CISMEF. Themed "AI Empowers SMEs," the exhibition is closely structured around three dimensions: traditional industries, emerging industries, and future industries. The event highlights cutting-edge new products, technologies, and applications in fields such as AI, robotics, high-end equipment, and new energy and materials. Through scenario-driven and interactive displays, SMEs can experience firsthand how AI technology reshapes production processes and enhances operational efficiency, thereby accelerating their digital and intelligent transformation.
To highlight the role of SMEs as the main force of innovation, the Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and Innovative exhibition area for provinces, regions, and municipalities has become a major highlight of the fair. Covering 1,480 booths, this area gathers 1,166 high-quality enterprises, including 403 SRDI "Little Giant" enterprises and 60 National Manufacturing Single Champion enterprises. Representing the highest level in domestic manufacturing segments, their collective showcase not only highlights the fruitful achievements of Chinese SMEs in tackling key core technologies but also injects strong momentum into the stability and upgrading of global industrial and supply chains.
In addition, the fair features multiple specialized exhibitions, including the SME Digital and Intelligent Transformation Exhibition, the Industrial Design Exhibition, the Embodied AI Exhibition, the Integrated Circuit Exhibition, and the Exhibition for SME Specialized Industrial Clusters Going Global. These specialized exhibitions focus on core areas such as enterprise digital upgrading, industrial design innovation, robotics frontiers, integrated circuit ecosystems, and overseas market expansion, providing targeted vertical platforms for precise matchmaking across different sectors.
For the host province of Guangdong, this year's CISMEF also serves as an important window to observe local manufacturing transformation and the internationalization process of SMEs. As a major manufacturing province, Guangdong is actively leveraging the Exhibition for SME Specialized Industrial Clusters Going Global to vigorously promote deep engagement between its traditional advantageous industrial clusters—such as apparel and luggage, beauty and personal care, toys and gifts, and home appliances—and cross-border e-commerce platforms, global retailers, and overseas buyers. This not only helps Guangdong enterprises broaden international market channels but also represents a crucial strategic move in transitioning from "Made in Guangdong" to "Guangdong Brands."
According to the event schedule, September 3 will mainly feature the Opening Ceremony and a series of high-level forums, with the exhibition halls closed to the general public. From September 4 to 6, the fair will officially open to the public. At that time, a host of SRDI "Little Giants," Manufacturing Single Champions, and outstanding SMEs from the Asia-Pacific and global markets will gather in Guangzhou to showcase their latest R&D achievements, presenting the global audience with a spectacular showcase where technology and industry converge.