On October 9, the 130th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) officially unveiled its mascots, "Haobao bee" (好宝Bee) and "Haoni Honey" (好妮Honey), two bees symbolizing loyalty, unity and devotion. It is also the first time for the Fair to launch mascots since the first edition in 1957.
Bees present a positive image and demonstrate universal values— loyalty, diligence, unity, and devotion, which fit well with the functions and purposes of the Canton Fair.
The design has shown China's undertaking to promote an open economy and a shared future for human beings as an emerging power. That’s why this design stands out, said Chu Shijia, Vice President and Secretary General of the Canon Fair.
The two bees are named "Haobao Bee" and "Haoni Honey", the first half of which are homophonic to English words "bee" and "honey". The names are catchy and full of auspicious connotations.
Haobao, a boy's name, means "precious", which symbolizes the Canton Fair's important role in the history of China's foreign trade and development, while Haoni, "honey", symbolizes the bonds and bridges of friendship that are established through trade.
Both of the names include "Hao", the Chinese character for "good", which convey the message that both buyers and sellers can benefit from trade, and also reflect China's adherence to the concepts of peace, development, cooperation as well as its aspiration to win-win outcomes.
The dynamic postures, open arms, and sincere smiles of the mascots, extend China's warm welcome to the world, while showing its resolution to raise the level of opening up and the promotion of Chinese brands and technology to benefit the entire world.
