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Trade: Leaders praise role of Canton Fair in opening-up policy

Chinese leaders have lauded the role that the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, played in the country's opening-up process. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 120th fair, which opened on Saturday in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. In the letter, Xi said that the fair's 60-year history was marked by its service to the country's reform and opening-up policy, modernization and enterprises both at home and abroad. In a separate message, Premier Li Keqiang said the fair had been an important platform for Chinese firms to enter the global market. Nearly 25,000 companies are participating in the fair, which concludes on Nov 4.