Former UN Under-Secretary-General hails China's pursuit of green development

China has become a leader in global green transformation, and has provided rich experience and cases for the world, said Erik Solheim, former UN Under-Secretary-General.

The newest edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum opened in Shanghai on Tuesday.

Solheim, who now serves as the co-chair of the Europe-Asia Center, is among the guests to attend the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) prior to the forum, he shared his opinion on China’s pursuit of green development based on his own inspections. Solheim also said he is full of expectations for this year's Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

"So I expect a very strong message about Chinese leadership in the green transformation and of course also Chinese leadership in the economic recovery of the world. China is a huge economy, five percent economic growth in China is very good for China, but it's also very good for the world. So this strong message of economic recovery and green transformation, I hope we will see from this forum," he said.

Solheim said that China's green transformation is not only changing China, but also has a huge impact on the development of many countries across the globe. China's green development provides more inspiration and opportunities for the world, he noted.

"When President Xi three years ago announced that China will stop all overseas coal investment. It had an immediate impact, because then, of course, Indonesia or Pakistan or Bangladesh or Canada said 'well, China will not invest in our coal but they can invest in solar and wind and hydro power. So we can go green with Chinese assistance,'" said Solheim.

Solheim said that he hopes that through high-level exchange platforms such as the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, representatives of more countries can engage in constructive dialogues with Chinese politicians and company leaders and learn from China's pollution control practices and experiences.

Former UN Under-Secretary-General hails China's pursuit of green development

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Coffee companies from Rwanda, a major coffee producer in Africa, see the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened on Tuesday in Shanghai, as the best-selling platform to increase brand visibility and expand market presence in China.

Since its first edition in 2018, the CIIE has served as a platform for Rwandan coffee companies to build bonds with Chinese importers and increase brand awareness in the Chinese market. It offers them not only a very good opportunity to access the Chinese market and increase export, but also to promote other beneficial bilateral cooperation.

"I want to participate in the CIIE every year now, so that more Chinese people can know about our products. The samples I brought to each edition of the expo would be sold out on the second day. It's a great opportunity. We won't quit. We must attend the CIIE every year," said Andy, a coffee trader.

Aside from displaying their products, Rwandan coffee companies have also gradually learned about the needs of Chinese consumers at the CIIE, based on which they would adjust their products and services to better adapt to the Chinese market.

"It's a good opportunity for us, for the company to have relationship with China market and to grow up. It's an opportunity and a good step for, in general Rwanda agriculture, particularly in coffee, which will help us to open some areas of doing business," said Diego, another coffee dealer.

Rwanda's exports to China rose by more than 87 percent to a record high 131 million U.S. dollars in 2023.

Themed "New Era, Shared Future", the 7th CIIE is scheduled for Nov 5 to 10. It is attended by 77 countries and international organizations in national pavilions, along with nearly 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions in the business exhibition. 

As the world's first national-level import-themed expo, the CIIE has become an important stage spotlighting China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-level opening-up and a public good for the whole world.

Rwandan coffee exporters see CIIE as best-selling platform in market expansion