The 21st China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF) opened in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Thursday alongside the 32nd APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting, marking the first time the two events have been held as a combine program in the city.

The joint format reflects the fair's timing during APEC China Year, with all 21 APEC member economies represented among the more than 2,000 Chinese and foreign enterprises exhibiting across approximately 85,000 square meters and 3,700 booths at the Canton Fair exhibition halls.

Themed around artificial intelligence applications in manufacturing, services, and emerging industries, the fair runs until Sunday and features more than 60 supporting events. The international pavilion and the Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan pavilion together host 510 enterprises from more than 40 countries, regions, and international organizations across 718 booths.

With more than two decades of dedicated development, CISMEF has pursued reform and innovation toward greater internationalization, market-orientation, and professionalism, organizers said.