Shanghai buzzed this week as the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) swung open its doors, shining a spotlight on the Chinese mainland's pledge to deepen global ties and fuel economic stability. Over six action-packed days, the expo has become a global magnet for trendsetters, startup founders, and policy shapers eyeing new horizons.
In his keynote, Chinese Premier Li Qiang spelled out a clear roadmap: high-standard opening up, wider institutional access, and fast-track pilot programs aimed at tearing down barriers in the service sector. His message is clear: the Chinese mainland is not just open for business—it is raising the bar for how trade and cooperation should work in the 21st century.
Numbers do not lie. With 155 countries, regions, and international organizations signing on, 4,108 overseas exhibitors rolling in, and more than 430,000 square meters of exhibition space, this edition broke scale records. For many young global entrepreneurs, these stats translate into brainstorming sessions with like-minded innovators, cross-border partnerships, and glimpses of market trends to come.
"This is a clear vote of confidence in the Chinese economy," says Wu Zhengping, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau. "It is a show of strong support for the CIIE from all parties involved."
From sustainable travel apps to green finance talks, and from AI-powered health platforms to fashion tech showcases, the expo thematic zones bring real-world impact to life. For digital nomads charting immersive experiences or changemakers championing sustainable growth, the footprint of CIIE 2024 is more than square meters—it is a gateway to the future of global commerce.
As doors close on day six, one thing is clear: the Chinese mainland's commerce stage is set for deeper collaboration. For young global citizens and trailblazers around the world, CIIE 2024 is not just another expo—it is a blueprint for how to build a more interconnected economy.
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China demonstrates firm commitment to global cooperation at CIIE
cgtn.com
