by Xinhua writer Lu Junyu

SAO PAULO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- "This fair has become a 'mini Canton Fair' for Latin America," said Carlos Clur, CEO of Eletrolar Group, the organizer behind the region's largest B2B event for consumer electronics and home appliances.

Now in its 19th edition, the Eletrolar Show All Connected drew more than 5,000 brands and 40,000 visitors to Sao Paulo, Brazil, from June 22 to 25. Since their debut in 2015, Chinese exhibitors have evolved from suppliers of affordable basics like refrigerators and TVs into presenters of innovation, differentiation and brand ambition.

Huaihai Group, one of China's largest manufacturers of two- and three-wheeled vehicles, drew Brazilian dealers eager to test a new tricycle for both passenger use and light cargo hauling, a model that had already sold out in Sao Paulo, said Kang Jing, the company's international marketing director. Priced slightly above some local models, the tricycle still generated over 2,000 orders during the show.

Nearby, Feishen Group from China's Zhejiang turned heads with the roar of its electric off-road motorcycles. "Buyers are drawn to our off-road positioning and design," said Hu Gang, the company's South America market director. He said the company targets the premium segment with models that stand out from the commuter-oriented vehicles on the show floor.

Shenzhen-based Blackview showcased rugged, waterproof smartphones for riders and outdoor workers. Its foldable triple-screen device drew the most attention. "Innovation wins when it solves actual problems," said Liu Yin, the company's global brand head.

The same went for home appliances. Zhang Chang, sales manager at air purifier producer Beilian Electrical, sees the Brazilian market as a blue ocean with a growing base of quality-conscious buyers. "We produce our own core components, everything from plastic parts to filters, so we control both cost and quality," he said.

In June, Brazil launched a credit program aimed at financing up to 100,000 locally manufactured two-wheelers for delivery riders and ride-hailing motorcyclists, providing opportunities for enterprises seeking to establish a local presence and better tap the potential of the Brazilian market.

"There's a real opportunity in EV infrastructure," said Li Kecheng, R&D director at Jiangsu Heye Electronics, which exhibited charging piles at the show. With Brazil's EV market growing fast and its charging network still thin, Heye has secured small trial orders. "Our prices are 30 percent to 40 percent lower than local competitors, but we need to understand the regulations better," he said.

For many Brazilian buyers, price is not the only draw. Kelsen Paiva, commercial director at Martins Electric Mobility Ltd. in the Manaus Free Zone, was sourcing electric scooters from Chinese brands at the exhibition. "Chinese manufacturers today offer the best quality, the finest craftsmanship, the widest variety and most importantly, reliable after-sales support and spare parts," he said. "By the time others catch up, China will already be years ahead."

China has been Brazil's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. Electric vehicles made up 62.9 percent of China's passenger car sales in May, reflecting the technological strength China brings to the table.

"China is leading the global auto industry with green, low-carbon and tech-driven innovation," said Yu Peng, China's Consul General in Sao Paulo. "Brazil has a strong manufacturing base. Closer cooperation will benefit both peoples."

Roberta Zogbi, director of operations and expansion at Eletrolar Group, summed up the transformation: "In 2015, Chinese companies brought traditional home appliances. Now we have smart home, robotics, AI, and electric vehicles, which are updated every year. Next year, our Future Mobility sector will be much larger, with new categories including water and aerial vehicles." ■