Record 4,108 firms flock to China trade expo

African nations gain expanded zero-tariff access as Beijing hosts major event

BEIJING:

This year's China International Import Expo (CIIE) opens today and runs until November 10, 2025. It is the first major economic event hosted by Beijing following the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The expo highlights China's continued commitment to promoting high-standard openness and fostering shared global development.

In recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), adopted during the plenary session in late October, China reiterated its dedication to expanding institutional-level opening up. The recommendations stated: "We should harness the power of opening up to drive reform and development, share opportunities with the world, and promote common growth."

Now in its eighth year, the CIIE has become a key platform for foreign companies seeking new opportunities in China. This year's expo features the largest exhibition space in its history. Some 4,108 companies from 138 countries and regions are participating, setting a new record. US companies have consistently ranked first in exhibition space for seven years. This reflects the international community's enduring confidence in China's economy.

This year, 461 new products, technologies, and services will be showcased. These cover sectors such as humanoid robots, digital consumption, the silver economy, and the low-altitude economy. The expo presents abundant opportunities for sharing innovations and tapping into China's expanding consumer market.