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

Chinese lawmakers on Dec 25 voted to adopt a law on value-added tax (VAT), the largest tax category in China, marking major progress in enforcing the principle of law-based taxation.

The law, passed at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the national legislature, will take effect on Jan 1, 2026.

Currently, 14 out of the 18 tax categories in effect in China have already been legislated, covering the majority of tax revenue.

The VAT law specifies tax rates and taxable amounts, maintaining the three current rates of 13 percent, 9 percent, and 6 percent, with a zero tax rate applied to certain goods and services exports.

"The VAT legislation maintains the current statutory tax rates: 13 percent for goods, 9 percent for sectors like transportation, postal, communication, real estate, and construction, and 6 percent for services," said Shi Zhengwen, director of the Fiscal and Taxation Law Research Center of China University of Political Science and Law.

In terms of tax collection management, the VAT law clarifies that VAT will be collected by tax authorities, while customs will handle VAT for imported goods.

Additionally, for the first time, the law specifically outlines an invoicing management system, emphasizing the promotion of electronic invoices and strengthening data-driven tax administration.

"Electronic VAT invoices aim to provide timely access to tax-related information from business operations. The goal is to establish a tax information-sharing mechanism and coordination system. Under the 'data-driven tax administration' model, VAT collection will ultimately support high-quality development, social fairness, and market unity," said Shi.

VAT law to take effect in 2026, with current rates unchanged