The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) commenced on November 5 in Shanghai, coinciding with the upcoming 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The expo serves as a platform for global enterprises to explore opportunities within China’s expansive market while fostering regional collaboration.
Currently, the Asia-Pacific region continues to exhibit strong economic growth, affirming its significance as a key driver of global development. However, rising unilateralism and protectionism have prompted regional partners to seek stability and improved cooperation channels. The increasing participation at CIIE reflects a collective desire among Asia-Pacific nations for mutual prosperity.
Initiated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the CIIE has become a vital venue showcasing China’s commitment to fostering a new development paradigm, emphasizing high-level openness and providing a platform considered an international public good. This year, the expo welcomes representatives from 162 countries and regions, along with 4,142 exhibitors from overseas. The exhibition area has surpassed 440,000 square meters for the first time, highlighting the event’s growing appeal.
Notable participation from APEC member economies marks a highlight of this year’s expo. U.S. enterprises lead in total exhibition area, with substantial representation from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and several ASEAN nations. Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam have noticeably increased their presence, while Canada has returned as a guest country of honor with its largest delegation ever.
The CIIE facilitates international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and cooperation, creating significant matching opportunities for businesses. The continued signing of deals underscores the strengthening economic ties within the Asia-Pacific community. Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the Institute for China-America Studies, remarked that the CIIE serves as an essential platform for achieving balanced development in the region and beyond.
This year’s event also features over 480 innovative technological displays, showcasing advancements from various Asia-Pacific economies. Highlights include the global debut of Dow’s peroxide-cured waterborne silicone adhesive, a shelter-type metal 3D printer from a Singaporean company, and Armstrong Fluid Technology’s Green Cooling Box from Canada.
As this year’s APEC host, China emphasizes openness, innovation, and cooperation to drive transitions towards digital, intelligent, and green economies. The CIIE aims to turn consensus on trade and investment facilitation into tangible business outcomes, reinforcing the vision for a collaborative industrial network.
President Xi’s words reflect APEC’s mission to foster economic growth and enhance quality of life through inclusive development and globalization. China remains committed to regional cooperation, evidenced by its consistent hosting of major international events like the CIIE and APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
As Shanghai and Shenzhen continue to exemplify China’s modernization efforts, the nation is poised to build deeper connections within the Asia-Pacific, striving for mutual advancement and cooperation.
