The eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on November 5, marking a record-breaking six-day showcase on the Chinese mainland. With 155 countries and regions, 4,108 overseas exhibitors, and over 430,000 square meters of exhibition space, the event highlights a new era of global trade.
Wider Market Accessibility
Sergei Vergeichik, analyst at the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Research, sees the expo as proof of the Chinese mainland's commitment to broader market access. "Over the years, the expo has grown in stature, facilitating global products' entry into the Chinese mainland's market and promoting coordinated regional growth worldwide," he says. Belarus, he notes, is showcasing eco-friendly goods, high-quality foods, wood products, fertilizers, and industrial machinery, all aimed at tapping into new trade links.
Opportunities for Smaller Economies
For businesses from smaller markets, CIIE offers a unique gateway. Alexis Bih of Cote d'Ivoire calls it "a major business opportunity" to deepen ties with the Chinese mainland. Bosnian economist Igor Gavran adds that every contract signed here carries outsized significance for companies from Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the expo connects them directly with one of the largest consumer markets on earth.
An Efficient Platform for Collaboration
Gavran describes the event as "a mega fair embracing the whole world," where one day of meetings can match months of travel or multiple trade shows. Jacopo Vicini, deputy mayor of Florence, shares how local brands have built partnerships here, spanning tech innovation, cultural industries, and tourism. "It's a springboard for projects that begin with a handshake in Shanghai and grow into real collaborations," he notes.
As young entrepreneurs and global brands explore new frontiers, CIIE 2023 stands out as a dynamic platform where data-driven insights meet cultural exchange, driving shared growth on an unprecedented scale.
Reference(s):
Experts: CIIE shows China's commitment to raising market accessibility
cgtn.com
