From November 5 to 10, 2025, the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) is taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai in the Chinese mainland. This year’s event shattered records, drawing participants from 155 countries, regions and international organizations and spanning 430,000 square meters of exhibits.
For Oliver Drew Robert, a British youth living in Shanghai, the scale and diversity of the displays were nothing short of awe-inspiring. “I’ve never seen so many exhibitors under one roof,” he says. “From AI-driven classrooms to language exchange programs, the variety highlights the global appetite for innovative learning solutions.”
Passionate about educational exchange, Oliver hopes to see even more cross-cultural cooperation projects that give students around the world hands-on experience in diverse learning environments. “Imagine a university collaboration that lets you swap places for a semester, or a digital platform that connects rural students with urban teachers halfway across the globe,” he adds.
His vision echoes a broader trend: as the digital age blurs borders, young global citizens are demanding more immersive education models that foster empathy, critical thinking and collaboration across cultures. Education services, once a niche segment at trade fairs, are now emerging as a major growth sector, reflecting real-world impact and the drive for sustainable partnerships.
With CIIE2025 setting a new benchmark, Oliver and his peers are optimistic that tomorrow’s education landscape will be defined by open exchange, shared innovation and a commitment to building bridges between continents and communities.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
