Why participate in the CIIE year after year? Foreign representatives from all walks of life said so
On November 4th, on the eve of the opening ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce held the launch ceremony of the "Sharing the Big Market, Exporting to China" series of activities in Shanghai, continuing to send a positive signal of shared opportunities to the world. At this year's CIIE, both the exhibition area and the total number of enterprises reached a historical high - the exhibition area exceeded 430000 square meters, and more than 600 new exhibitors were added on the basis of 3496 last year. On this world-renowned stage, companies from various countries showcase their latest products and technologies, sharing their expectations and insights for the Chinese market. On the 4th, Global Times reporters interviewed representatives of foreign government agencies and enterprises at the event site. In their view, China is a vast world that continues to expand its openness and share development opportunities. They are full of confidence in China's development in the next five years and will firmly expand cooperation with China.
This is a very valuable and exciting opportunity
During the tea break before the event launch ceremony, Global Times reporters saw business representatives from China and abroad holding coffee and tea, exchanging ideas in groups of three or five. Many of them have been old friends and business partners for many years.
Behind this scene is the communication and cooperation bridge built by the CIIE for global enterprises. The Chinese government has made significant achievements in high-quality opening up to the outside world, "said Ke Ruilin, Vice President of the German Karch Group, in an interview with the Global Times." As a sharing platform, the CIIE showcases high-quality innovative products that will soon be introduced to China, which meet the growing consumer demand in China
China has always attached great importance to expanding imports and has become the world's second-largest import market for 16 consecutive years. Since its establishment in 2018, the China International Import Expo has been held for seven consecutive sessions, with a cumulative turnover of over 500 billion US dollars, becoming a globally shared international public good.
For many multinational corporations, the CIIE is not only a showcase, but also an excellent opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese market. Pontus Erntell, President and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA China, said, "We regard the CIIE as an important annual event and participate in it every year. Whether it is maintaining good relationships with the government, various regions, or deepening cooperation with customers, the CIIE is a key platform, especially in terms of connecting with customers, which can bring great value
Victor, CEO of the Brazilian Export Investment Promotion Agency in the Asia Pacific region? For Victor Queiroz, the CIIE is a golden opportunity to promote Brazilian agricultural products. He told the Global Times reporter, "The top priority of our trip is to connect with Chinese partners through the CIIE, deepen exchanges, and explore more possibilities for cooperation. Being able to come to China and directly communicate with Chinese entrepreneurs is a very valuable and exciting opportunity. Currently, Brazil's specialty agricultural products such as coffee, soybeans, and Brazilian berries are accelerating their entry into the Chinese market through the CIIE platform.
Tino Zeiske, CEO of Metro AG Business Group Co., Ltd., who has participated in the Expo for eight consecutive years, has deep feelings for the Expo: "We participate in the Expo year after year, and continue to introduce new products. After fully demonstrating ourselves and conducting efficient docking through this platform, we will successfully put more than 100 new products on the shelves." He said: "The high participation in the Expo clearly shows that the Chinese government has successfully created a business environment of fair competition, so that all participants can achieve win-win results in cooperation."
Park Son kyung, Chief Representative of the Shanghai Representative Office of the Korea Trade Association, told Global Times reporters that the association is the official exhibition organization designated by the South Korean government, and they have organized South Korean companies to participate in the CIIE for eight consecutive years. China is the largest market for many countries around the world. With the platform of the China International Import Expo, we enable more Korean companies to understand and explore the Chinese market. As an exhibition organization for Korean companies, we hope that the Expo can be successfully held, and we also hope that buyers and professional visitors participating in the Expo can learn more about Korean products
She also mentioned that most people will be amazed by the grand scale of the "Four Leaf Clover" at the National Convention and Exhibition Center. The visual and sensory impact of hundreds of thousands of square meters of exhibition areas, pavilions from hundreds of countries, and thousands of companies gathering together is unprecedented, and it also broadens our horizons
Full of confidence in China's development in the next five years
Opening up is a distinctive symbol of Chinese path to modernization. According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, in recent years, China has continued to open its market to the world, with the overall tariff level further reduced to 7.3%. The number of free trade partners has increased to 30, and 100% zero tariffs have been applied to the least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations. China is currently implementing zero tariffs on 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations through commercial agreements.
On October 28th, the "Proposal of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Formulating the 15th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development" (hereinafter referred to as the "Proposal") was released. The Proposal proposes to expand high-level opening-up to the outside world. Steadily expanding institutional openness, maintaining the multilateral trading system, expanding international circulation, promoting reform and development through openness, and sharing opportunities and common development with countries around the world. This has attracted high attention from foreign-funded enterprises.
Ke Ruilin said, "During the previous five-year plan period, the Chinese government vigorously promoted high-tech development and innovation infrastructure construction. Now, in fields such as artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0, these goals have been successfully achieved. The relevant concepts are no longer just slogans, but have taken root in China through high-end innovative production facilities, turning blueprints into reality
Ke Ruilin particularly appreciates China's talent cultivation system, stating, "China's concept of promoting innovation has created a favorable environment for industrial development. Thanks to the construction of smart campuses and various competitive projects, China has cultivated a solid foundation of young talents with strong thirst for knowledge and outstanding abilities, who are innovative forces in the era of artificial intelligence. This makes us very willing to develop more products in China, which not only serve local and regional markets, but also sell globally
Cai Tianle evaluated China's digital achievements from the perspective of the retail industry, stating, "China's achievements in digital innovation are evident to all. In the retail industry we are engaged in, various new technological solutions have also been widely applied. Our partners in China have provided us with strong support in digital systems, backend operations, and customer payment solutions
He is full of confidence in China's development in the next five years. Cai Tianle said, "The Chinese market has enormous potential and has been steadily developing. I expect this trend to continue in the next five years. The Chinese government attaches great importance to economic growth and is committed to creating social wealth and boosting consumer spending, which is exactly the development environment we need as retail enterprises
The CIIE is the key to breaking the deadlock
According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, China's contribution to global economic growth has remained at around 30% in recent years, making it a major export destination for nearly 80 countries and regions. China is not only a beneficiary of economic globalization, but also a contributor, maintainer, and promoter. By exporting to China, countries and related enterprises have gained wealth, driven employment, and achieved rapid development. Against the backdrop of a complex and ever-changing global trade environment, many foreign representatives have expressed a firm stance on continuing to deepen cooperation with China.
Orelia Baba Ofori Odame, head of the Asia Africa Trade and State Owned Enterprises Department at Ghana Commercial Bank, told Global Times reporters that the CIIE presents a broad prospect, and they are committed to ensuring a smoother path for African products to enter the Chinese market, so that African companies can seize the opportunities of this era.
Victor from the Brazilian Export Investment Promotion Agency? Queloz expressed his viewpoint from the perspective of the relationship between Pakistan and China: "The world is indeed facing economic challenges, and the CIIE is the key to breaking through the impasse. It can effectively promote the docking and cooperation between enterprises, and jointly cope with difficulties. Looking back, China was our largest trading partner as early as 2009, which laid a solid foundation for bilateral relations. We look forward to accelerating cooperation between China and Pakistan in various fields, especially deepening trade and cultural ties
The CIIE has been upgraded from an outstanding exhibition to an irreplaceable global economic and trade cooperation strategic platform. In the current global economic environment, we need such a platform. Participating in the CIIE is not just about attending an exhibition, but more like experiencing a global economic and technological 'Olympics', an' immersive experience 'about future life, "said Park Sun jing with emotion.