The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, spotlighting the Chinese mainland's rapid economic growth and its expanding consumer market. Since its launch in 2018, the world’s first import-themed national-level expo has evolved into a global trade landmark, drawing thousands of companies ready to tap into new opportunities.
This year, over 4,100 exhibitors from 155 countries and regions are showcasing more than 461 new products, technologies, and services. The expo acts as both a magnet, attracting global businesses and innovations, and a gateway, opening access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Take the American Food and Agriculture Pavilion, co-organized by AmCham Shanghai and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In its 350-square-meter space, 19 exhibitors present an array of American agricultural goods. At last year’s expo, 14 companies showcased U.S. meat, grains, and poultry, sealing deals worth $711 million with Chinese partners—a testament to CIIE’s power to boost international cooperation.
Healthcare leader Johnson & Johnson is also leveraging the expo as a launchpad, bringing more than 100 innovative products and solutions—including over 10 new debuts—to strengthen its presence in its second-largest market. These success stories highlight how participation at CIIE can translate into concrete growth.
The expo's impact extends beyond individual sectors. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Chinese mainland has attracted over $700 billion in foreign direct investment. During this period, the number of new foreign-funded enterprises grew by 25,000 compared with the previous plan. CIIE not only showcases the mainland’s openness but also reinforces its role as a hub for global investment and collaboration.
For entrepreneurs, innovators, and global citizens, CIIE offers a front-row seat to the trends shaping tomorrow’s markets. Whether you’re hunting for the next big tech breakthrough or forging cross-border partnerships, the expo remains the gateway to connecting with the world—and to the world connecting with the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
