Peter Helis Interviewed by CCTV at the 139th Canton Fair

April 2026, Guangzhou, China: Peter Helis, Chief Advisor to Huangpu District & Guangzhou Development District, was recently interviewed by China Central Television (CCTV) at the 139th Canton Fair.

The interview covered Helis’s observations on the Fair’s growing emphasis on “new, green, and smart” technologies, the role of Guangzhou’s drone industry in global supply chains, and the shifting dynamics of China-Germany economic cooperation.

Key topics addressed:

· Drone industry maturation: Helis noted that the Fair’s decision to separate consumer and agricultural drones into dedicated zones reflects the sector’s evolution from niche technology to mainstream industrial tools.

· Guangzhou’s role as a drone hub: As the home to major drone manufacturers and their supply chains, Guangzhou Development District benefits directly from the Canton Fair’s ability to bring global buyers to one location.

· Two-way China-Germany cooperation: Helis observed that German SMEs are increasingly focused on supply chain resilience and co-development, moving beyond the older model of low-cost assembly.

· AI at the Fair: While AI-powered matchmaking and translation improve efficiency, Helis emphasized that face-to-face meetings remain essential for building trust and closing deals.

· Guangzhou as a host city: After more than two decades living in Guangzhou, Helis commended the city’s continuous improvements in services for international visitors, including new visa counters at Baiyun Airport T3 and direct foreign currency exchange.

The 139th Canton Fair recorded over 465,000 exhibits, with more than 11,000 “little giant” and单项冠军 (manufacturing champion) companies participating. Helis noted that European buyers are paying close attention to these specialized Chinese SMEs.

The interview is expected to air on CCTV’s news programming covering the Canton Fair.