CIIE draws exhibitors from 155 countries

Li pledges high-standard opening up as 461 new products, services set for debut at Shanghai event

BEIJING:

The latest edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, opened on Wednesday in Shanghai.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the eighth CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. It is necessary to uphold equality and mutual benefit, and consolidate the foundation of legitimate common interests, Li said, calling for safeguarding international fairness and justice, Global Times reported.

China is willing to work with all parties to promote the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative in international economic and trade fields and improve the World Trade Organisation-centred multilateral trading system, Li noted. The document of recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), adopted at the recent fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, has injected greater certainty into China's economic and social development for the period ahead, Li said.

China will advance high-quality development, making new and significant contributions to global economic growth, he said, adding that the country will unswervingly promote high-standard opening up. Featuring the largest exhibition area in its history and a record high number of exhibitors, the eighth CIIE, with the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," has attracted 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organisations - with the total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square metres.

Running from 5th to 10th November, this expo will see the debut of 461 new products, technologies, and services.