The 98th Chinese Export Commodities Fair (also named CECF or Canton Fair) concluded today (October 30, 2005). Exhibits in the first phase were mainly textiles, garments, footwear, medical equipment, mechanical and electronic products. The second phase focuses mainly on daily articles and gifts including toys, porcelain and furniture. There were 177225 buyers attend this Canton Fair until 29th Oct., which declined 9.3 per cent compared with 97th Canton Fair.

Due to the Month of Fast in Islamic countries and EU/US-China textile friction, this 98th session saw a decline in the number of buyers, which is contrary to the previous years of the fair. Usually the number of buyers increases with record highs over the previous session. There are several reasons which caused the decline. The Month of the Fast caused 30.72% decrease of Islamic buyers. During the period of the Month of the Fast, the Muslim will stop all the business and seldom go outside. There are 30550 visitors from the 57 countries of Organization of Islamic conferences (OIC) during this Canton Fair, which has a decrease of 13546 visitors compared with 97th Canton Fair. The earthquake of Pakistan and India also influence the Canton Fair.

The 99th session of Canton Fair will also be divided into two phases. The first phase will open on April 15th and close on April 20th. The second phase will open on April 25th and close on April 30th 2006.