At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, dedicated border inspectors are diligently verifying the travel documents of inbound and outbound passengers, particularly those attending the prestigious 136th Canton Fair. This year, the airport has introduced a special green channel designed to expedite processing for the throngs of business people eager to partake in the important trade event. [Photo by Ling Guanming/for chinadaily.com.cn]
In a remarkable display of its economic vitality, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, experienced an unprecedented surge in both inbound and outbound passenger traffic during the recently concluded 136th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, which wrapped up on Monday.
According to data released by the Baiyun Immigration Inspection Station, border inspection personnel at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport conducted a staggering total of over 920,000 inspections for inbound and outbound passenger visits. Moreover, they managed the flow of over 6,200 flights arriving at and departing from this southern metropolis between October 15 and the conclusion of the fair on Monday.
Meanwhile, in a notable development, the Pazhou Ferry Terminal recorded an impressive milestone with more than 11,000 inbound and outbound passenger visits throughout the duration of the Canton Fair. This figure represents a remarkable year-on-year increase of 22.58 percent compared to the same time frame last year.
Strategically located in Guangzhou’s bustling Haizhu district, which is home to the Canton Fair complex, the Pazhou Ferry Terminal along the Pearl River stands out as the sole cross-border water passenger port nestled within the city’s downtown area.
Adding to its significance, the terminal has recently established direct ferry routes to both Hong Kong’s vibrant downtown and its international airport, enhancing connectivity for travelers and business professionals alike.
**Interview with Mr. Li Wei, Trade Expert**
**Interviewer:** Mr. Li Wei, thank you for joining us today. With the recent surge in passenger traffic at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and the impressive figures reported for the 136th Canton Fair, what do you believe this indicates about China’s current position in the global trade landscape?
**Mr. Li Wei:** Thank you for having me. The data is indeed striking and signals a robust recovery and growth in China’s trade activities post-pandemic. The increased inbound and outbound visits, particularly for a major event like the Canton Fair, showcases not only the resilience of the Chinese economy but also its importance as a global trading hub.
**Interviewer:** Some might argue that this trend could lead to increased congestion and strain on infrastructure. What do you think about the balance between economic growth and its potential logistical challenges?
**Mr. Li Wei:** That’s a very valid concern. While the economic benefits are clear, rapid increases in passenger and flight volumes do pose logistical challenges. If not managed properly, this could lead to congestion at airports and terminals, affecting the overall efficiency of trade. It’s essential for authorities to invest in infrastructure upgrades and innovative solutions to handle this surge effectively.
**Interviewer:** Given the special measures like the green channel at the airport, do you believe that the government is doing enough to facilitate this growth, or should there be even more aggressive strategies implemented?
**Mr. Li Wei:** The introduction of the green channel is a positive step; however, as traffic continues to grow, additional measures may be necessary. This includes further enhancing digital infrastructure, improving staffing at border inspections, and even exploring alternative transport routes. Engaging more stakeholders in the trade process could also lead to innovative solutions that will keep pace with growing demands.
**Interviewer:** Interesting points, Mr. Li. As a final thought, how do you think business travelers and companies will adapt to these changes in travel and trade dynamics?
**Mr. Li Wei:** Business travelers are typically quick to adapt, especially when it comes to leveraging new technologies and channels. Companies will likely focus on enhancing their logistics and planning strategies to navigate the busy travel periods efficiently. However, there might be a debate around whether this rapid growth can be sustained long-term without compromising quality and service.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Li, for your insights. To our readers, what do you think—can Guangzhou maintain this momentum without running into significant logistical issues, or will the growing traffic ultimately hinder trade efficiency?