Both newcomers and returning exhibitors have brought a range of innovative new products to the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) which got underway in Shanghai on Tuesday, with participants eying up more opportunities through the international platform.
As the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, this year's edition of the CIIE is running from Nov 5 to 10 under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," and has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations, including a record number of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders.
With this year marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations, France features as a guest country of honor at the CIIE, showcasing both the time-honored friendship between the two countries and the fruitful results of their practical bilateral cooperation.
For French cosmetics giant L'Oreal, the expo again provides the perfect opportunity to showcase their latest items.
"We are going to bring some new products and new technology. And I think it's a unique platform in the world of today. And it's today very meaningful to be a partner of CIIE, so we are very, very happy to participate in this seventh edition," said Vincent Boinay, North Asia Zone President and CEO of L'Oreal China.
To mark the milestone anniversary between the two countries, L'Oreal has also prepared a special gift set for this year's expo, which includes a beauty product and ceramic item from China's "porcelain capital" of Jingdezhen, blending French elegance and Chinese charm.
"These two elements are a testimony of the relationship between France [and China], and the beauty of France and the excellence of the craftmanship in China," said Boinay, as he showed off the special gift box which can be found in the French pavilion at the CIIE.
Many other global companies are recognizing the growing influence of the CIIE, including Canadian sportswear retailer Lululemon, which is exhibiting its products at the expo for the first time. The apparel company hopes to gain more opportunities to expand to a broader market, step up investment and boost growth through the platform.
"I'm wearing sporty clothes today, and it's our first time to participate in the CIIE. We hope to contribute to the Healthy China [2030] Initiative through the CIIE," said Lynn Cheah, vice president of brand marketing and community at Lululemon China, referring to China's push to improve health and fitness by the end of the decade.
This year's CIIE has also set up the first-ever 'new material' zone, which aims to build an international exchange platform for promoting innovation and development across the sector.
Milliken and Company, a U.S.-based manufacturer of textile and chemical products, has brought its latest floor covering material to this year's exhibition. The design of this material is inspired by the combination of natural texture and modern styles, and utilizes an environmentally-friendly technology which meets the market demand for low-carbon and environmental protection.
"Actually, we have noticed that there is a big demand in China for many of our materials. This material is 100-percent recyclable, which can make a better contribution to the circular economy in the textile field. Taking advantage of the CIIE, we also hope to better present our latest technologies and our global core concept of innovation and sustainable environmental protection," said Doreen Yin, senior marketing manager for the company's Asia Pacific region.
The CIIE has been held annually at Shanghai's National Exhibition and Convention Center since its first edition in 2018. A total of 186 companies and institutions have participated in all seven sessions.
Int'l exhibitors aim to unlock more opportunities from "unique platform" offered by CIIE
