The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) kicked off on Tuesday in Shanghai, marking another year of China's steadfast commitment to global openness.
As the world's first national-level expo dedicated solely to imports, the CIIE has been held annually since 2018. It has grown into a significant platform for China to foster a new development pattern, promote high-level openness, and serve as an international public resource shared globally.
\"The CIIE signals China's firm commitment to advancing high-level openness and building an open world economy,\" stated Jean-Christophe Pointeau, president of Pfizer China. Celebrating both Pfizer's 175th anniversary and its 35th year in China, the company unveiled its strategic plan, \"China 2030,\" pledging an additional $1 billion investment over the next five years to enhance its innovative pharmaceutical products within China's high-value sectors.
In a time of sluggish global economic recovery and rising calls for supply chain decoupling, the CIIE provides a crucial platform that unites diverse voices and fosters mutual cooperation. This year's expo has particularly energized collaborations between China and Global South countries, driving joint development and shared prosperity.
Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of the CIIE, with organizers offering substantial support to exhibitors from the world's least-developed countries. This year alone, over 120 free booths were allocated to companies from 37 least-developed nations, facilitating their participation in a more equitable and inclusive economic globalization process.
China's emphasis on developing new quality productive forces has injected fresh dynamism into the expo. Attendees can witness groundbreaking innovations such as flying taxis and AI-enhanced tea production. The event is set to feature over 400 new products, technologies, and services, including a dedicated new materials section introduced for the first time.
Marc Horn, executive vice president of Merck and president of Merck China, shared with CMG, \"China's development of new quality productive forces will not only drive its own sustained economic growth but will also revitalize the globalization process and spur the next wave of technological revolution.\" June Chang, president of Greater China at Boston Scientific, added, \"This year's expo has strengthened our sense of China's strong appetite for innovation, reinforcing our commitment to increase our investment in China.\"
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CIIE 2024 reflects China's unwavering commitment to global openness
cgtn.com
