Staff members of Guangzhou Tiger Head Battery Group Co Ltd introduce exhibits during the 129th session of the China Import and Export Fair, in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, April 15, 2021. [Photo by Lin Guiyan/for China Daily]

The 129th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off online on Thursday.

Covering 16 categories of goods, more than 2.7 million exhibits have been submitted, hitting a historic new high and 230,000 more than that of the previous year. Exhibitors are promoting their products via images, videos, 3D and virtual reality technologies, with more than 2,600 virtual exhibition halls being set up.

The 10-day event is considered a key indicator of well-being for China's trade and commerce. This is the third time for the fair to be hosted online because of the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.