SHANGHAI – The China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off this week, marking five days that will see 4 108 exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organisations participate in national and corporate exhibitions.
The expo further seeks to reaffirm China’s commitment to opening its markets while promoting trade and investment.
Through the CIIE platform, more than US$500 billion worth of deals and investments have been delivered.
“The Chinese economy is like an ocean… the oceans of the world are interconnected… [The] CIIE is the important bridge linking China to the world,” said Chinese Premier Li Qiang during the opening ceremony of the CIIE in Shanghai yesterday.
“Those who benefit all will be supported by all,” he said, reiterating the call for fairness and equality in global trade.
This year’s CIIE takes place at a crucial time for global trade, as tariffs and protectionism have shaken the world.
“We must uphold equality and mutual benefits… we must defend international fairness… it takes good rules to have good outcomes… China stands ready to stand with the rest of the world to defend fairness,” Li said. He added that China does not support trade tariffs that seek selfish unilateral wins. As such, countries need to balance their interests for the greater good of the international community.
“Countries’ legitimate rights and interests must be protected,” he said.
Since 2018, the CIIE has promoted international procurement, investment, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.
This year’s exhibition will be held on 430 000 square metres at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, and 449 500 professional visitors have registered.
As anticipated, innovation is at the heart of this year’s expo, with over 460 new products, technologies and services, including low-altitude economy and humanoid robots.
Roughly 23 000 overseas exhibitors have participated in the past seven editions, showcasing around 3 000 new products, services and technologies.
Context
In May 2017, Chinese president Xi Jinping announced at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China will hold the CIIE starting from 2018.
It is a move for the Chinese government to give firm support to trade liberalisation and economic globalisation and actively open the Chinese market to the world.
It facilitates countries and regions all over the world to strengthen economic cooperation and trade and to promote global trade and world economic growth.