The first phase of the 139th Canton Fair concludes on Sunday, attracting 167,000 buyers from 216 countries and regions. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, continues to show its strong appeal as a global trade cooperation platform, as an increased number of international buyers were recorded during the first phase of the event's 139th session.

The fair's first phase concluded in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, on Sunday, attracting 167,000 buyers from 216 countries and regions, marking a 5.9 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous session, according to the event's organizers.

Additionally, 123 international business organizations participated, representing a 4.2 percent increase compared to the same period of the previous session.