CIIE: A pivotal platform for high-level opening-up
政务
2024-10-01 10:10
上海
Editor's Note As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the CIIE has collaborated with China Daily to release a special issue highlighting how the CIIE demonstrates China's steadfast commitment to high-level opening-up. This edition also features previews of the upcoming 7th CIIE and the Hongqiao Forum.
China DailyThe full text of the main article is as follows: As lively celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China are taking place nationwide, the China International Import Expo, a global stage for innovation, trade and collaboration, underscores the country's commitment to high-level opening-up and international partnership.The CIIE, now preparing for its seventh edition in Shanghai this November, has evolved into a landmark event in the global trade calendar. It offers a dynamic platform for developed nations, emerging markets and the world's least-developed countries, or LDCs, to showcase their products, services and innovations, making it one of the most influential trade fairs worldwide.Global gatheringThe CIIE is not China's solo show, but rather a chorus involving countries from around the world, organizers said.Since its launch in 2018, following the first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, the expo has played a pivotal role in promoting global collaboration and creating new trade opportunities.More than 180 countries, regions and international organizations have participated, with 151 of them involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Eight BRICS nations, including new members Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Ethiopia, have secured a prominent presence at the expo's Country Exhibition, highlighting the CIIE's significance as a global hub for economic collaboration. Moreover, the expo provides crucial support to LDCs like Cambodia and Ethiopia, enabling their participation by offering assistance with booth construction, product transportation and accommodation.The 2024 edition is set to welcome more than 70 countries and international organizations, surpassing last year's participation. First-time participants such as Norway, Slovakia, Benin, Burundi and Madagascar will join, as well as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.Worldwide stageOver the past six editions, a range of global companies, be it flagship brands or small and medium-sized enterprises, have embraced China's first-ever international import expo to share their innovations with the world."Participating in the CIIE is very rewarding, as it gives us the chance to introduce our latest innovations to Chinese consumers," said Bernd Wagner, CEO of WS Audiology China.Over the past six years, companies from 173 countries and regions have participated in the CIIE and achieved more than $420 billion in tentative transactions. Nearly 2,500 products, technologies and services have debuted at past editions of the event.This year's CIIE is set to impress with a diverse showcase of global products, reinforcing its dedication to innovation and cross-sector collaboration.According to the CIIE Bureau, the 2024 edition will feature the world's largest grain merchants and vegetable seed companies, alongside dedicated sections spotlighting French agribusiness and African food products.Sustainability and cutting-edge technology remain at the forefront. For example, the Automobile Exhibition will highlight 12 Fortune 500 companies, with 90 percent of the vehicles on display being electric or made from recyclable materials.Meanwhile, the Intelligent Industry and Information Technology Exhibition will introduce a special section for new materials and an enhanced artificial intelligence experience zone, featuring industry giants like Invista and SK Group.Attendees can also explore a curated selection of luxury brands, fast fashion leaders and top beauty companies in the Consumer Goods Exhibition. In the Medical Equipment and Healthcare Products Exhibition, the world's top 10 medical device manufacturers and 11 Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies will showcase groundbreaking innovations in biotechnology and digital healthcare solutions.Promoting opennessThe seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum will once again champion the theme of openness, with a focus on "High-Standard Opening-up for Inclusive and Beneficial Globalization". Slated forNovember in Shanghai, alongside the CIIE, a series of subforums will convene international leaders, top economists and entrepreneurs to tackle global issues and share valuable insights.The subforums will bring together esteemed government officials, Nobel Prize laureates and senior executives from leading global industries to address a diverse array of topics, including sustainable industrial development, climate-resilient trade and the 30th anniversary of the WTO.Discussions will also address intellectual property protection, AI advancements and renewable energy, alongside the release of the World Openness Report 2024.Industry experts and member companies will be invited to engage in dialogues at designated booths, enhancing the overall experience and encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees."The Hongqiao Forum is showing increasingly extensive influence worldwide. We regard the forum as a premier platform to enhance global communication and promote sustainable development," said Wang Dawei, economics affairs officer at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.In a bid to strengthen connections among global political, business, and academic leaders, this year's CIIE & HQF GALA will once again precede the opening ceremony, offering enhanced services such as early information disclosure to keep forum guests well-informed. Media interactions will be introduced to boost visibility and engagement.Attendees can look forward to the upcoming release of the 2024 Hongqiao Forum guest list, which promises an exciting lineup of distinguished participants.New chapterSeventy-five years on, China stands at the threshold of a new chapter, marked by profound economic growth, technological innovation and a renewed commitment to fostering international partnerships.As the nation expands unilateral market access to LDCs and streamlines visa-free entry policies, foreign enterprises are demonstrating heightened enthusiasm for engaging with the Chinese market.Following a successful edition in 2023, the seventh CIIE is gearing up for another rewarding event, aimed at connecting global companies and sharing a multitude of market opportunities with the world.Source: China Daily
