London’s financial and creative hubs lit up this week as China’s high-level import expo roadshow arrived, marking a bold bid to deepen Europe-China trade ties amid global tariff tensions.
Against the backdrop of President Trump’s import tariffs, China is moving fast to rally global partners ahead of its annual Shanghai showcase. Launched in 2018, the China International Import Exhibition (CIIE) bills itself the world’s only fair dedicated entirely to imports—and last year it attracted more than 3,000 companies spanning trade, finance and technology.
In London, Deputy Director Wu Zhengping met with UK firms eager to expand in the Chinese market. Wu said he envisions a shared path to prosperity: “I think the philosophy of China is to prosper with the rest of the world. We would like to encourage more imports from other countries into the Chinese market.”
By spotlighting British innovators—from fintech startups to green-tech ventures—the roadshow aims to turn conversations into partnerships. For young global entrepreneurs and thought leaders, it’s a data-rich opportunity to network with buyers, scouts and policy experts eyeing the world’s fastest-growing consumer base.
Looking ahead, the CIIE in Shanghai promises immersive pavilions, B2B matchmaking and live demos of cutting-edge solutions. For digital nomads and travel enthusiasts, it’s also a chance to explore one of Asia’s most dynamic cities, blending art, cuisine and business in a single trip.
As Londoners mingle with visiting delegates, the roadshow underscores a simple fact: in today’s interconnected economy, collaboration fuels growth. Whether you’re a startup veteran or a sustainability advocate, the journey from London to Shanghai just got a lot more exciting.
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London buzzes with trade collaboration as Chinese roadshow begins
cgtn.com
