7th CIIE showcases diverse products from new and returning exhibitors

A large number of exhibitors are participating in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), with both newcomers and returning exhibitors bringing a great variety of products, including many debuts.

Themed "New Era, Shared Future", the 7th CIIE opened at 10:00 Tuesday in Shanghai.

A total of 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions have signed up to participate in the CIIE this year, with both numbers exceeding those of the previous session. The participants include 297 Fortune 500 companies and other industry leaders, setting a historical high. A total of 186 companies and institutions have participated in all seven sessions.

Dublin-based automotive technology company Aptiv participates in the CIIE for the first time this year, bringing its automotive intelligence and electrification products, with many exhibits and technologies being released for the first time.

"We have noticed the positive impact the CIIE has brought to global trade over the years, and China's automobile industry is also developing rapidly. So we want to use this excellent platform of the CIIE to conduct more in-depth exchanges and cooperation with companies from various countries including China," said Jiang Weihao, active safety and user experience technical manager of Aptiv China.

Ebara, a global industrial machinery manufacturer with a history of more than 100 years, brings more than 45 exhibits to this CIIE, in which technical products such as hydrogen energy solutions and liquid hydrogen booster pumps are exhibited in China for the first time.

"The CIIE is a platform for trade, culture and technology exchanges, and we have seen results over the years. China's efforts in opening-up are increasing, and its sci-tech innovation capabilities are constantly improving, providing companies with complete services and policy support, giving them confidence in development," said Ou Lei, general manager of business planning of Ebara China.

The CIIE not only attracts new friends, but also brings back a group of old friends. In the service trade exhibition area, the Piraeus Port Authority, manager and operator of Greece's largest port, is participating in the CIIE for the seventh time this year.

"After the first time of the Piraeus Port Authority in the CIIE, we noticed that we have an increase in our container throughput. We have 40 percent of (containers) from the Chinese market. For that reason, Piraeus Port Authority wants to be here in order to expand its knowledge, its experience to meet new partnerships, not only in Chinese market, but in every foreign market,” said a staff member of Piraeus Port Authority.

7th CIIE showcases diverse products from new and returning exhibitors

China is experiencing a surge in outdoor and sporting activities which serve as a powerful catalyst for consumption and economic growth.

In Baoding City, north China's Hebei Province, residents are flocking to a local sports center for their fitness fix. Activities such as tug-of-war, balance bike racing, and pickleball are igniting public enthusiasm for sports.

"Pickleball is such a vibrant and enjoyable sport. It allows us not only to experience the joy of sports but also to appreciate the power of teamwork. I hope there will be more events like this in the future so that pickleball can gain wider popularity in Baoding," said Guo Yingqiu, a pickleball enthusiast.

While sports focus on physical activities, they also help boost the local economy. Streets surrounding the sports center were packed with vendors selling products like table tennis rackets and snacks.

Chinese cities have also benefited from hosting sporting events. Over the past month, China hosted several international competitions, including the 2024 China Open tennis tournament in Beijing. Ticket sales exceeded 80 million yuan (over 11.3 million U.S. dollars), reflecting a 60 percent increase from the previous year.

This year's tournament also attracted more sponsorships. The 2024 Wuhan Open saw a rise in viewership and revenue, driven by an influx of out-of-town visitors. Of the 180,000 spectators, more than 44 percent traveled to Wuhan for the tournament, contributing significantly to the local economy, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors.

"Sports events are a powerful tool for fostering new types of consumption and expanding existing markets. Moving forward, we aim to develop the sports event economy by creating an ecosystem that unleashes the sector's potential and cultivates a sustainable consumer market," said Chen Jie, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sports.

Latest reports indicate that bookings for outdoor sports in the first half of this year surged by nearly 60 percent. With the winter sports season approaching, China anticipates further growth in the sports sector nationwide.

Rise of fitness events in China to fuel economic growth