Core Insights - The exhibition "Mutual Benefit in the World: A Thousand Years of Guangdong Foreign Trade" showcases over 200 artifacts, including 22 national first-class cultural relics, highlighting Guangdong's significant role in the global trade system and its unique contributions to China's foreign trade institutional development [1][2] Group 1: Historical Significance - Guangdong's geographical advantage has made it a crucial node in the Maritime Silk Road, with its natural harbors providing safe docking and resupply points during ancient sailing trade [1][2] - The establishment of the "Guangzhou Maritime Regulations" in 1080 is recognized as the earliest known maritime trade law, laying the foundation for systematic and codified maritime trade management [2] - The evolution of trade policies, such as the Ming Dynasty's "Guangzhong Cases" and the Qing Dynasty's "Single Port Trade" policy, reflects Guangdong's pursuit of mutual prosperity while balancing various interests [2] Group 2: Contemporary Relevance - The timing of the exhibition coincides with the 138th Canton Fair, which serves as a window for China's opening up and a barometer for foreign trade, showcasing new technologies and products [3] - The Canton Fair has become a significant platform for global merchants to understand China's new dynamics and seize new opportunities, especially in the context of global supply chain restructuring and geopolitical tensions [3] - The exhibition emphasizes that Guangdong's history of openness and mutual benefit is not just a nostalgic reflection but a guide for addressing current challenges and fostering future cooperation [3]