GUANGZHOU, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- The second phase of the 122nd China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, opened Monday in south China's Guangdong Province.

A total of 7,360 companies will exhibit their products at more than 20,000 booths, focused on giftware, houseware and toys. The phase will last from October 23 to 27 in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong.

The first phase of the fair, which concluded on October 19 and was dedicated to electronics and lighting, attracted more than 100,000 purchasers.

The third phase, for textiles, footware, food and medical products, will take place from October 31 to November 4.

The 122nd Canton Fair is expected to attract around 25,000 companies, exhibiting more than 160,000 products.

The Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou every spring and autumn, is seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade.

Data from the General Administration of Customs said foreign trade volume rose 16.6 percent to 20.3 trillion yuan (3.1 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of this year. Enditem

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