Record Manufacturing Deals
Hefei Manufacturing Convention Secures 790 Projects Worth RMB 363 Billion
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Key Points
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British Ambassador to China Peter Wilson attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks, while the president of Côte d’Ivoire sent a congratulatory message.
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The convention drew 221 representatives from overseas Fortune Global 500 companies and multinational corporations.
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Attendees included 205 representatives of international organizations and Chinese and overseas business associations, as well as 88 foreign embassy and consular officials and representatives of international sister provinces, states and cities.
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The event also included 84 officials from national ministries and commissions and organizing bodies, and 63 academicians, experts and scholars.
China's Hefei city hosted the 2026 World Manufacturing Convention from September 20 to 23, signing 790 projects worth RMB 363.4 billion (about $54.2 billion). Anhui Provincial Government reported that 522 international delegates from 54 countries and regions attended the four-day event, which featured 217 high-tech exhibits across 80,000 square meters of exhibition space.
The United Kingdom was the guest country of honor, with British Ambassador to China Peter Wilson attending the opening ceremony. Anhui Officials noted that 708 of the signed projects—worth RMB 331.7 billion—focused specifically on advanced manufacturing, reflecting the convention's theme: 'Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future.'
Hefei Emerges as Global Manufacturing Hub
Anhui province experienced rapid industrial growth heading into the convention. Provincial Data showed manufacturing output expanded 12.7% year-on-year between January and July 2026—a 58-month high. Strategic emerging industries generated 46.1% of the province's total industrial output during this period, positioning Hefei as a center for next-generation technology development.
The convention displayed cutting-edge technologies, including new semiconductor R&D lines, 180-qubit superconducting quantum processors, and the BEST fusion energy program. Organizers said the 217 exhibits represented an 18% increase from the previous year's show, showcasing 10,000-plus industrial products across government-led and market-oriented displays.
International Business Leadership and Diplomacy
The event attracted 221 representatives from Fortune Global 500 companies and multinational corporations, including firms like Merck, Mitsubishi Electric, and Air Liquide. Convention Records show the gathering also included 160 executives from 38 central state-owned enterprises, 628 domestic corporate leaders, and 63 national academicians and expert scholars.
British Ambassador Peter Wilson stressed that the UK should pursue a 'genuine partnership over simple business deals' with China, pointing to strong opportunities in advanced manufacturing and educational collaboration. Ambassador Remarks noted that the UK's complementary innovation ecosystems made it an ideal industrial partner for China's future-focused manufacturing goals.
Advanced Manufacturing Dominates Deal Portfolio
Of the 790 total projects signed, 708 projects worth RMB 331.7 billion focused on advanced manufacturing technologies. Anhui Provincial Government reported that the remaining 82 projects covered emerging sectors including semiconductors, quantum computing, and fusion energy research, reflecting global demand for next-generation industrial capacity.
The convention included 11 specialized international matchmaking programs designed to connect Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises with overseas partners. Organizers structured these sessions to deepen integration between Chinese manufacturers and international supply chains, particularly in Europe and North America.
Diplomatic Delegation and International Participation
The event drew diplomatic representation from multiple continents. Convention Data shows 88 foreign embassy and consular officials, 205 representatives of international organizations and business associations, and an official congratulatory message from the President of Côte d'Ivoire. Government officials from 84 Chinese national ministries and commissions also attended.
The ninth edition of the World Manufacturing Convention—first held in 2018—has become a cornerstone of Anhui's regional industrial strategy. Analysts view the 2026 event as evidence that China is actively countering Western 'de-risking' narratives by offering structured market access and technical collaboration opportunities to major trading partners.
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