The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), entering its fourth day on Friday, has held 102 side events including business matchmaking sessions, investment promotion activities, and numerous forums geared toward strengthening international collaboration and economic engagement.
Since the expo's opening, procurement and investment signings have been taking the center stage, with Chinese and international participants eagerly forging new partnerships. Among the highlights, China's central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) trade delegation, National Health Commission delegation, and local trade delegations have organized 86 major signing events, landing nearly 600 cooperation agreements.
The central SOEs have achieved a record-high total intended transaction amount at the CIIE, with agreements encompassing a diverse range of sectors, including advanced technology, artificial intelligence, high-end components, and natural gas.
In addition to procurement and trade activities, this year's CIIE has convened the main Hongqiao International Economic Forum, themed "High-Standard Opening up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization," as well as various sub-forums, roundtable discussions, meetings with foreign enterprises, and "Invest in China" promotion events
The CIIE is also facilitating connections between visiting business representatives and exhibitors through a 'group tour' service. Over 4,800 attendees have engaged with approximately 1,900 exhibitors via more than 280 organized group tours.
Running from November 5 to 10, the 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions.
CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration
CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration
This year's CIIE has seen many overseas participants keen to expand their footprint in the Chinese market, as the country's resilient consumer market is generating numerous business opportunities for international brands despite global economic headwinds.
The seventh CIIE is being held in Shanghai from Tuesday to Sunday.
Under the theme of "New Era, Shared Future," this year's event has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations, and achieved a new record with the attendance of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders.
Shiseido, a Japanese cosmetics producer, plans to deepen its presence in what it considers a crucial market.
"We have never waived in the confidence and determination to invest in China, and even when talking about the future, we are confident to strengthen the longterm investment in China because again, the Chinese market, including the consumer, are very sound, they are so vital, as well as resilient. And then now the China market is a very important international market for the Shiseido Group," said Toshinobu Umetsu, President and CEO of Shiseido China.
Meanwhile, Australian wine producer Penfolds, owned by Treasury Wine Estates, is advancing its local production strategy. The company launched its first Chinese-made wines at the previous CIIE.
"As we started our journey of making wine here in China, we were welcomed very warmly by industry participants here in Ningxia, but also down in Yunnan in Shangri-la. So we are taking a very collaborative approach, and it's great be able to share what is possible when you focus on collaboration and partnership with the release of our Chinese wines that we showcased for the first time here at CIIE last year," said Tom King, Managing Director of Penfolds, an Australian wine producer.
Unilever, a British multinational company, is expanding its manufacturing footprint with new facilities in south China's Guangzhou City and east China's Hefei City. The consumer goods giant expects its food category plant to begin production in Q1 2025.
"We have strong determination to develop in the Chinese market. For example, currently we are building a full-category manufacturing site in Guangzhou. The first phase has already completed, the second phase, our food factory, is still under construction and is scheduled to be put into production by the first quarter of next year. And also this year, we build another new skin factory from our beauty and wellbeing business in Hefei. So this series of new investment, new construction, not only marks the upgrade of our supply chain, but also reflects our strong determination, our strong confidence to further develop in the Chinese market, probably for another 100 years," said Jasmine Dang, head of Communication and Corporate Affairs at Unilever North Asia.
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 seventh CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations to participate in its country exhibition and business exhibition.
Int'l businesses eye opportunities in China's thriving market
