The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention held in Hefei, China, concluded with a record 790 project agreements worth RMB 363.4 billion, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in advanced manufacturing and international industrial collaboration.
- 790 agreements valued at RMB 363.4 billion signed
- Over 54 countries and regions participated
- Advanced manufacturing and quantum technologies highlighted
What happened
The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention took place from September 20 to 23 in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. It brought together 1,230 exhibitors with more than 15,000 products and technologies showcased across 80,000 square meters. The event drew 74,000 people in person and reached 4.54 million viewers online. A total of 790 project agreements were secured, with a combined value of RMB 363.4 billion (approximately US$54.2 billion).
Key features of the convention included 217 exhibits, an 18% increase over the previous year, and cutting-edge demonstrations such as a 180-qubit superconducting quantum processor and a Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST). Attendees included representatives from 54 countries and regions, including officials from national ministries, international organizations, Fortune Global 500 companies, and renowned researchers.
Why it matters
The convention’s large-scale agreements underscore China's growing leadership in advanced manufacturing sectors, particularly in smart manufacturing, semiconductor research, and clean energy technologies. The event fostered international cooperation and investment, with notable partnerships from regions like Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and the Anhui province’s northern cities.
By hosting such a significant global manufacturing forum, China is positioning Anhui province as a major hub for innovation and industrial development. The involvement of guest countries like the United Kingdom and notable international figures also reinforces China's strategic role in global industrial supply chains and technological advancement.
What to watch next
Future progress on the 790 signed projects will provide important indicators of China's manufacturing growth and international industrial collaboration. Particular attention will be on the deployment of advanced semiconductor manufacturing lines and large-scale data centers, including the RMB 10 billion big data facility in Wuhu.
Additionally, developments in showcased technologies such as quantum computing, humanoid robots, and fusion energy devices like the BEST tokamak will be critical to watch for breakthroughs. The outcomes of cross-border agreements and participation of central SOEs will also reveal how China leverages state-owned and private sector resources to drive manufacturing innovation forward.