European exhibitors show keen interest in exploring opportunities at CIIE

European exhibitors at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) have expressed their keen interest in exploring opportunities to make inroads into the Chinese market and enhance cooperation with their Chinese peers in advancing green development.

Running from Nov. 5 to 10 under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," the 7th CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations. Of them, 297 are Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, hitting a record high.

A total of 35 Slovenian companies sighed up to the event, a substantial increase from the six firms at the first CIIE in 2018.

"We found out from Slovenian companies that money spent on CIIE is never wasted. That's why we are here already [for the] third time, and we are thinking to promote Slovenian companies even next year. I think that this is the fantastic way to show the capacity of Chinese market, to bring companies from all over the world, and to make (offer) them opportunity to communicate and to contact. Actually, [it is also] for Chinese market to show to other markets that it's opened and willing to cooperate. So, this is all we need - the cooperation," said Tanja Drobnic, secretary of the internationalization promotion department of the Slovenian Business Development Agency SPIRIT.

Andrea Vetrano, chief financial officer of the Italian tyre company Prometeon Tyre Group in the Asia-Pacific region, expressed his confidence in the prospects of the Chinese market.

"This is the first time I joined CIIE. And we are really focused and we believe in China. And China would be one of our key priorities for the next years," Vetrano.

Recently, the European Union decided to impose additional tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China in disregard of the huge divides between its member states and widespread opposition from various sectors.

Drobnic said Slovenian auto enterprises are against this move because this is not in their interests and they hope to continue cooperation and expand high-tech exchanges with Chinese carmakers.

"Of course, we voted against it because it's not good for Slovenian companies. Slovenian companies are chain providers to automotive industry - mainly to German automotive industry. Then the interest of Slovenian automotive industry is not to block the cooperation, but to continue cooperation and to expand the high-tech exchange. Actually, we believe that somehow it will change because we all need electrical vehicles in Europe. It is in my opinion that we have to find out the way how to cooperate together to bring the development to this area," said Drobnic.

Vetrano shared similar opinions with Drobnic while calling for all stakeholders to sit down and find the best solution.

"Electric vehicles are the future. For us, we strongly believe in the electric vehicles and sustainable environment, sustainable products. So, this is why we develop specific tyres for the electric bus, electric truck. So I strongly believe [not only] the European Union, the Chinese government, but [also] all the governments worldwide should sit down together and discuss, and find the right solution in order to balance and to get the best improvement and the best solution worldwide," said Vetrano.

European exhibitors show keen interest in exploring opportunities at CIIE

Allan Gabor, chair of the AmCham Shanghai Board of Governors, on Wednesday highlighted the abundant opportunities for cooperation between China and the United States in agriculture, environmental protection, and sustainable development at the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

Gabor, who has attended five editions of the CIIE, praised the expo for its role in promoting international commerce.

"Honestly, what really impresses me is that CIIE has remained true to its purpose about demonstrating the openness of China to the world in terms of trade," said Gabor, acknowledging that many AmCham members perceive China as being quite open.

Last year marked a significant milestone for AmCham Shanghai, as it partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to create a dedicated booth, resulting in 500 million U.S. dollars in trade deals. This year, the expanded booth features 14 exhibitors, including new companies and trade associations, showcasing the best of American products.

Gabor is confident that the expo this year will bring a better result.

"This year, we're optimistic that we're gonna do an excess of 400 million [U.S. dollars]. The booth is actually much bigger. We have 14 different exhibitors. It's really branding USA everywhere here, some of the best of what we have to offer from the United States, many new companies, many new trade associations, USA Potatoes, the Washington State Trade Association, but also many small, medium enterprises that wouldn't normally be able to come to China. We provide them the infrastructure, the space, the organization to help them showcase their really excellent products," said Gabor.

Gabor underscored the importance of on-the-spot engagement at the expo, stating that it creates significant opportunities.

"I think there are many new opportunities here. That's why I'm saying we have a pretty good indication of 400 million so far. My guess is it's going to be in excess of that, because of this on-the-spot engagement. We have many provincial buying groups from all over China coming to visit our members here this week," said Gabor.

Looking ahead, Gabor expressed strong optimism about future U.S.-China cooperation, particularly in agriculture, food safety, biosecurity, and sustainability.

"I think it's still very promising. It's not only a question of good products that are coming from the U.S., but there are other things that we can do to support, agriculture, food safety, in terms of biosecurity and sustainability. These are areas where the global citizenry wins, and there are opportunities to collaborate between U.S. and China, and it is very important area for all of us. So very discrete trade opportunities which you see here, but even beyond that to different kinds of services and support that we could provide each other," said Gabor.

The CIIE is the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports. Running from November 5 to 10 under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," the 7th CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations to participate in its country exhibition and business exhibition.

China, USA have abundant opportunities for cooperation: chair of AmCham Shanghai