A conference focusing on those of Cantonese ethnicity across the globe opened in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Wednesday.

More than 3,000 people of Cantonese origin from 38 countries and regions and 300-plus organizations are attending the three-day First Global Con-ference of the Cantonese.

The Cantonese are one of the three major cultural groups in Guangdong province, the other two being the Hakka and the Teochew. People of Cantonese origin are estimated to number 70 million worldwide.

The conference, to be held every two years in rotating locations worldwide, aims to promote Cantonese culture.

Contact the writer at liwen-fang@chinadaily.com.cn