The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention concluded in September with the signing of 790 project agreements valued at RMB 363.4 billion (approximately $54.2 billion), organisers announced during an Anhui (China) briefing.

Held from September 20 to 23 under the theme “Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future,” the convention featured keynote speeches, business matchmaking sessions, data releases, and large-scale exhibitions highlighting advances in manufacturing and technology.

A record number of participants attended the event, with guests and exhibitors from 54 countries and regions. The UK served as the guest country of honour. The programme also included 11 international events.

Among the 217 major exhibits, up 18 per cent from last year, were a 180-qubit superconducting quantum processor and BEST (Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak). Of the 790 projects signed during the convention, 708 were advanced manufacturing projects with a combined value of RMB 331.7 billion. Agreements included the development of an advanced semiconductor research, development and manufacturing line.

The event brought together 84 representatives from national ministries, commissions, organising bodies and supporting institutions, as well as 63 members of national academies and leading experts.

International participation was particularly strong, with 522 overseas delegates accounting for more than half of all guests. 

Spanning 80,000 sq m, the exhibition programme featured organiser-led and commercial showcases, together with an integrated unmanned systems exhibition. In total, 1,230 exhibitors displayed more than 15,000 products and technologies. Attendance reached 74,000 in person and 4.54 million online, while more than 5,900 on-site transactions generated sales exceeding RMB 600 million.

More than 160 technologies, products, reports and case studies were launched. Organisers also unveiled 10 industry-leading technologies and products from China and overseas, including a quantum diamond-chip testing instrument and a range of humanoid robots.

A total of 27 matchmaking events and specialised programmes resulted in 87 agreements and memoranda of understanding. Partners from Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang were involved in 453 projects worth RMB 154.72 billion, while six cities in northern Anhui signed 194 projects valued at RMB 64.77 billion.