(Photo: CGTN)

The 15th China-ASEAN Expo in southeast China is attracting buyers from around the world, presenting an opportunity for Chinese and foreign exhibitors to showcase their innovative products over four days. 

The hustle and bustle began at the China-ASEAN expo from the minute the doors opened at 8:30. 

We met Dang Thi Cam Ly, ahead of her expo tour. Her goal is to buy machines for her food factory in southern Vietnam. 

"He said they have an office in Vietnam, so we can contact them through Wechat. They'll send the machines directly to our factory and install them, very convenient. We don't need to worry," said Cam Ly.

The seller she talked to works for a company that started in 2014 in Guangdong Province. It aims to help factories pack all types of food.

There are some 27-hundred companies represented here. More than 65-hundred booths showcasing products. Finding what you're looking for takes some patience and willingness to walk around. 

"She asked about the features of our equipment to compare it with other companies. She asked about our service. When we told her we have companies in Vietnam, she had fewer worries, " said Ning Bo, a Chinese seller.

As a first-time visitor, this manager says he will come back next year. He met several ideal customers at this trade event.

"There used to be a lot of deals signed at expos. But now lots of companies are attending different expos, and customers are more likely to follow-up later. I've already gotten several customers from Malaysia and Singapore," Ning Bo added.

 But for Cam Ly, the more suppliers, the merrier.

"I also wanted to buy machines to cut dried beef, but I didn't see one. Hope there will be more companies next year for us to choose," said Cam Ly.

From 2004 to 2017, trade volume between China and ASEAN countries grew from $100 billion to $500 billion.

This expo closes on Saturday but the buying and selling will continue long after.