Words related to gizmos and gadgets and everything in between – in multiple foreign languages, dialects and accents – are regularly heard at the annual Canton Fair. This year is no different, as China’s most successful foreign trade fair celebrates its 113th anniversary at the Pazhou International Convention Centre in Guangzhou.

No matter what you’re buying or selling, communication is key.

First time Chinese-English interpreter Lewis Lee attended the first phase of the fair that kicked off on April 15th and wrapped up on Friday. Two other phases are also scheduled.

Lee is an interpreter for a furniture company. “It’s a great opportunity to improve your English skills, negotiation skills and to see if you can sell your products well,” he says.

The hours are long since Lee starts his day at the Convention Centre at 8:30 for a 10-hour shift.  While he has already familiarized himself with his company’s products, there are challenges because of different accents. “Sometimes you need to concentrate and pay attention to their conversations.”

The Convention has an airport-feel where all the necessary amenities from banks, shipping companies and international restaurants are available. The place is overwhelming and can be daunting for any first-timers due to the enormity of the convention with two main buildings (Areas A & B) that serve as prime exhibitors, while the third one is accessible by crossing a bridge.

Everywhere you go, something catches your eye. Some people can be aggressive by making sure that buyers are aware of certain regions’ products. An advertisement on Hong Kong exhibitors is surely not to be missed since it’s placed on the side of an escalator. The ad mentions their hall number (Hall. 9.3) and booth numbers (H1-H12; H35-H41).

Regional products and international ones have made this fair a melting pot for business opportunities.

With the encouragement of her friend, interpreter Yolanda Yin also signed up to be part of the fair. An HR officer hired her solely for this event; she’ll attend the second part of the fair which starts tomorrow and runs until April 27.  Her job is to assist the sales associates with their products, such as fruit containers and drink flasks, to name just a few.

Yin says it’s a great way to earn experience as she gears up for another upcoming convention in Beijing next month. She says she’s not nervous since she has enough product knowledge. Still, she admits that product sizes and dimensions are areas where she needs to polish up.

Exiting from Area A, a group of middle-aged foreign men surrounded a young Chinese woman for instructions. With her clear English pronunciation, the men were quickly on their way to find what they were looking for.