HEFEI, China, Oct. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 World Manufacturing Convention concluded with 790 project agreements representing RMB 363.4 billion (approximately US$54.2 billion), organizers announced at a Sept. 29 Anhui briefing.

Held Sept. 20–23 under the theme "Intelligent Manufacturing for a Better Future," it featured keynote addresses, business matchmaking, research and data releases, and exhibitions.

Guests and exhibitors from a record 54 countries and regions attended. The United Kingdom served as guest country of honor, Côte d'Ivoire's president sent a congratulatory letter, and 11 international programs were held.

Among 217 exhibits—18% more than last year—were a 180-qubit superconducting quantum processor and BEST, the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak. Of 790 projects, 708 advanced manufacturing projects represented RMB 331.7 billion. Agreements included an advanced semiconductor R&D and manufacturing line.

Attendees included 84 representatives of national ministries, commissions, organizers and supporting institutions, plus 63 national academy members and experts.

The 522 international delegates—over half of guests—included 88 diplomats and partner-government representatives; 205 international-organization and business-association representatives; 221 representatives of foreign-based Fortune Global 500 companies and multinationals; and eight prominent international researchers and subject-matter experts.

Guest province Sichuan joined delegations from 28 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, Hong Kong and Macao. Attending were 160 representatives of 38 centrally administered state-owned enterprises and 628 executives of Chinese companies.

Across 80,000 square meters, organizer-led and commercial exhibitions and an integrated unmanned systems showcase drew 1,230 exhibitors with over 15,000 products and technologies. Attendance reached 74,000 in person and 4.54 million online; 5,900-plus on-site transactions exceeded RMB 600 million.

More than 160 technologies, products, reports and case studies were released. Ten industry-leading technologies and products from China and abroad were presented, including a quantum-diamond chip testing instrument and humanoid robots.

Twenty-seven matchmaking sessions and programs produced 87 agreements or memoranda. Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang partners joined 453 projects representing RMB 154.72 billion; northern Anhui's six cities signed 194 totaling RMB 64.77 billion.

The "Central SOEs Visit Anhui" program generated 16 agreements representing RMB 39 billion, including a Wuhu Economic Development Zone big data center valued above RMB 10 billion.

Organizers addressed exhibition innovations, the convention's international role, diplomatic and Hong Kong-Macao resources, Central SOE results, and report, technology and product releases. They said it showcased Anhui and China's manufacturing strength and global outlook while advancing investment and cross-border industrial cooperation.