In a world hungry for fresh opportunities, the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) delivered a dynamic showcase of global collaboration. This year’s expo drew 155 countries, regions, and international organizations to a sprawling 430,000 square-meter venue, setting records with 4,108 overseas enterprises in attendance.
A CGTN survey of 14,000 respondents across 46 countries finds that 72.6% view China as an open and competitive free market. Positive sentiment was especially strong in 28 nations, highlighting a surge in international confidence.
Respondents ranked five pillars of China’s economic openness: driving innovation and green transformation, deepening institutional reforms, boosting industrial competitiveness, facilitating trade and investment, and strengthening intellectual property protection and fair competition.
Data from the General Administration of Customs shows China’s total goods trade hit 37.31 trillion yuan (about $5.24 trillion) in the first ten months of the year, marking nine straight months of growth and underscoring sustained momentum.
On the business front, 79.8% of survey participants praised China’s favorable business environment, while 78% said their nations and companies benefit directly from trade ties. A robust 84.3% see China as key to stabilizing global industrial and supply chains.
Inclusiveness took center stage with a new "Products from Least-Developed Countries" zone, offering free booths and tax perks to emerging African brands, creating direct connections with Chinese buyers.
Within the Global South, 88.2% view China’s vast market as a major growth opportunity, and 85.1% agree their countries benefit from cooperation initiatives led by China. Overall, 89.5% recognize China’s strong economic capabilities and anticipate ongoing contributions to global recovery.
As CIIE 2023 wraps up, its record-breaking participation and data-driven insights spotlight China’s evolving role in the world economy, underpinned by innovation, openness, and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
