The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has emerged as a pivotal event in the landscape of international trade, showcasing China’s commitment to fostering open cooperation with the global community. This annual exposition, held in Shanghai, stands out as the world’s first national-level import expo. As the eighth CIIE commences, it signals a powerful message that China is keen on enhancing its relationships with countries worldwide.
Keyword: China International Import Expo (CIIE)
The ongoing CIIE, from November 5 to 10, 2023, has attracted a diverse array of participants, including representatives from 155 countries and regions, along with 290 Fortune 500 companies. Remarkably, this year’s event has set records in terms of exhibition area and the number of exhibitors, with American companies occupying the largest exhibition space for the seventh consecutive year. This year’s expo is not just a platform for showcasing products but also a critical opportunity for nations to engage in productive dialogue about global trade practices and economic collaboration.
Kishore Mahbubani, a prominent Singaporean scholar, recently noted the unique position of the CIIE in promoting international cooperation, especially at a time when the global economy faces unprecedented challenges. His optimism reflects the sentiments of many attendees who see the expo as a beacon of hope for a world that urgently needs to prioritize open trade and collaborative engagement.
This year’s CIIE is particularly crucial as it aligns with the conclusion of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and the beginnings of the 15th. The recent plenary session of the Communist Party of China has laid out ambitious goals for modernization which are expected to reshape economic policies. The CIIE serves as the first significant economic diplomacy event following this key meeting, reinforcing China’s stance as a proponent of greater global openness.
The World Openness Report 2025 indicates a slight year-on-year decline in the global openness index. In contrast, China’s openness index has shown a year-on-year growth of 0.5%, highlighting its ongoing efforts to integrate into the global economy. Historically, China’s openness index has seen a remarkable increase of almost 30% from 1990 to 2024, positioning it among the most open markets globally.
This expansion of China’s market has not only reassured foreign investors but has also encouraged a significant influx of participation from diverse sectors. This year, the expo showcases 461 new products, technologies, and services. Leaders like Martin Fischer, from Zeiss Greater China, emphasize that the CIIE has evolved into a vital platform for launching innovations and sharing insights into the growing opportunities within China.
A key theme emerging from the CIIE is the necessity of enhancing productivity and innovation across the globe. China’s advancements in sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and low-altitude economic development have transformed its market into a fertile testing ground for global enterprises. This innovation-centric positioning underscores China’s desire to collaborate with international partners in addressing modern challenges collectively.
One of the notable aspects of this year’s expo is its dedication to inclusivity and support for the development of the Global South. Introducing a special section for products from least developed countries (LDCs) for the first time is a significant step towards integrating these nations into the global economic framework. With a 23.5% increase in exhibitor participation from these countries, and an 80% surge in African exhibitors, CIIE is making strides towards equitable global trade practices.
Furthermore, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, held in conjunction with the CIIE, has initiated sub-forums focusing on economic resilience and sustainable agricultural development. These discussions aim to amplify the voices of the Global South and better integrate their products into the Chinese market—a clear demonstration of China’s commitment to ensuring that all countries reap the benefits of economic globalization.
Looking ahead, industry leaders such as Nicolas Hieronimus of L’Oréal Group advocate for continued investment in China, framing it as an investment in the future. Such perspectives underscore the importance of sustained cooperation and free trade, especially in times of economic slowdown and international tensions.
In conclusion, the China International Import Expo serves as a crucial platform symbolizing China’s dedication to open cooperation and collaborative economic development. As the global economic environment faces challenges, CIIE stands as an exemplar of China’s commitment to fostering win-win scenarios through mutual engagement. This year’s expo not only highlights China’s expansive market potential but also its strategic intent to embrace inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable growth in the global economic landscape.
The world is watching closely as China continues to carve its path in international trade, with the promise of continued collaboration and development anchored in the principles of openness and mutual benefit.
