The 9th edition of the China International Import Expo (Ciie) was officially launched on November 5 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. This year's expo brings together over 4100 exhibitors, including companies from Benin, under the theme "Stable Cooperation for an Open World." The event will run from November 5 to 10, covering a total area of over 440,000 square meters, a first-time milestone.
The Ciie has attracted a record number of participants, with 4142 foreign enterprises exhibiting, including over 300 companies from the Fortune Global 500 and industry leaders. More than 480 representative products are being showcased for the first time globally, in Asia, or in China. The opening ceremony was presided over by Ding Xuexiang, the first vice-premier of China, in the presence of political authorities from several countries, including Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker.
In his inaugural speech, Ding Xuexiang highlighted that the Ciie, proposed by President Xi Jinping, has become a showcase of China's new development model, promoting high-level openness and multilateralism. He emphasized that China is both the world's factory and market, and its openness to foreign enterprises has contributed to its growth as a major manufacturing hub. The first vice-premier also stressed the need to promote balanced trade and cooperation in the face of accelerating technological advancements.
Ding Xuexiang noted that China's imports have increased by 22.3% in recent years, and investments in China offer an average return of 29%. He also highlighted the growth of China's high-tech exports, citing a 45% increase in electric vehicle and battery exports. The first vice-premier expressed hope for increased cooperation with other countries to make international trade more beneficial for all.
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who attended the expo, emphasized the importance of trade as an instrument of peace, solidarity, and shared benefits. He praised China's leadership in achieving carbon neutrality and promoting renewable energy and digitalization. The Gabonese president also invited Chinese entrepreneurs to invest in his country, highlighting opportunities in sectors such as water, energy, agriculture, and green economy.
The Ciie has become a vital platform for international trade and cooperation, with a cumulative total of over $500 billion in intended agreements recorded over eight editions. The 2025 edition saw $83.49 billion in intended agreements, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. This year's expo features 162 countries, regions, and international organizations, including 69 national delegations, with Canada and Sri Lanka as honorary guests.
The expo's organizer, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, and the Shanghai municipal government have designed the event to promote high-level openness and multilateralism. The expo's structure includes an enterprise exhibition, a national exhibition, the Hongqiao Forum, professional activities, and cultural exchanges. With its growing significance, the Ciie has become an essential platform for countries to engage in international trade and cooperation.
Key points
- A record 4142 foreign enterprises are participating in the 9th China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
- The expo features over 480 representative products being showcased for the first time globally, in Asia, or in China.
- China's imports have increased by 22.3% in recent years, and investments in China offer an average return of 29%.
