China will offer over 120 free booths for the exhibitors from 37 least developed countries participating in this year's China International Import Expo (CIIE), said an official from the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.
Themed "New Era, Shared Future," the 7th CIIE will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, the Ministry of Commerce announced at a press conference in Beijing.
Tang Wenhong, China's assistant minister of commerce, said that this year's CIIE will see participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations, including 37 least developed countries.
He reiterated China's commitment to expanding unilaterally opening up to the world's least developed nations.
"Starting from Dec 1, 2024, China will implement a zero-tariff policy on 100 percent of products originating from the least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China. The Ministry of Commerce will collaborate with relevant departments to support the least developed countries in making full use of this preferential treatment. We will provide skills training and support the development of cross-border e-commerce enterprises to cultivate new trade momentum. Through hosting events like the CIIE, we will build platforms and bridges for high-quality and unique products from the least developed countries to enter the Chinese market and the global market," Tang said.
"This year's CIIE will feature exhibitors from 37 least developed countries and we will provide over 120 free booths to support their participation. The exhibition area for African products at this year's CIIE will be further expanded, facilitating connections and negotiations between African exhibitors and Chinese buyers to help both parties reach more purchase agreements," said the assistant minister.
Over 120 free booths offered to exhibitors from 37 least developed countries at 7th CIIE
With the Year of the Snake a little more than three weeks away, accessories and gifts theming featuring the zodiac animal sign ranging from traditional embroidered sachets to modern gold jewelry are surging in popularity across China, with demand notably increasing.
In Qingyang City, located in northwest China's Gansu Province, a sachet-making company is bustling to fulfill orders for the final batch of snake-themed sachets.
The company's manager said there has been a significant surge in orders for the product.
"Order for snake-themed sachets have increased by 40 percent compared to before," said Jin Liangliang, the manager.
In Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, part of Mianyang in southwest China's Sichuan Province, Chen Yunzhen, an inheritor of traditional Qiang embroidery, has also designed a snake-themed sachet.
With the snake adorned with iconic flowers of the area at its head and tail, the sachet is filled with mugwort and features a coin symbolizing prosperity.
"Here is a coin we designed, which carries the wish that the gift receiver will have no lack of money to spend in the entire year. We hope that everyone who sees this little snake will have a prosperous year and see their wishes come true," Chen said.
Meanwhile, gold stores in Zhengzhou, the capital of central China's Henan Province, are experiencing a surge in sales.
Young consumers are particularly attracted to lightweight, modern gold accessories featuring snake motifs.
These include charming designs, such as the coiled snake, which are popular for their dainty sizes and diversified style.
"These snake-themed accessories highlight what is lovable about snakes, especially when paired with bracelets that carry auspicious meanings. They sell really well, with sales doubling those of last month," said Niu Lina, a store manager at one of the city's gold shops.
Snake-themed gifts surge in popularity across China
