Serbian prime minister hails CIIE as vivid example of social, economic opening up

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic has lauded the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, as a vivid example of social and economic opening up, offering an excellent opportunity for countries worldwide to showcase their products to Chinese consumers and partners.

Since 2018, China has hosted the CIIE for seven consecutive years, and Serbia has participated in all the seven editions of the event.

"This expo offers other countries an excellent opportunity to showcase their products to Chinese consumers and partners, serving as a vivid example of social and economic opening up, instilling a sense of pride, and setting an example for other countries. We see numerous leaders from different parts of the world who are delighted to participate, presenting their respective national pavilions. Most importantly, they convey strong messages. Firstly, I am immensely proud that Serbia is a part of this process, mirroring our pride in being a part of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. We take pride in these endeavors and are pleased to be a part of them," Vucevic said in an interview with China Media Group on the sidelines of the event on Tuesday.

Besides, Vucevic stated that while some claim to promote free markets, they engage in protectionism. Serbia is unwilling to be part of a protectionist world, noted the prime minister.

"Serbia is committed to engaging in open cooperation with everyone. We take great pride in the free trade agreement between China and Serbia that came into effect on July 1 this year. Indeed, while Serbia may be relatively small in scale for China, China is a powerful partner for us, providing opportunities for our businesses to enter the Chinese market more conveniently," he said.

In the China Pavilion at the 7th CIIE, a range of innovative exhibits and impressive datasets present a new era of Chinese modernization to guests from around the globe.

In the interview, Vucevic remarked that China's rapid technological development is beyond his imagination, even prompting him to expect the next edition of CIIE.

"China's technologies are developing at a rapid pace. Today, at the expo, we witnessed robots engaging in activities beyond my imagination. Of course, we also observed large-scale infrastructure projects and the development of artificial intelligence (AI). Serbia is pleased to witness the progress of AI. AI should serve humanity rather than replace it. This principle is already being demonstrated in China. Technology has progressed to such an extent that I cannot even imagine what surprises await us at next year's expo," he said.

The 7th CIIE, which runs from Tuesday to Sunday, has brought together 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions to showcase their products and technology this year. The event also marks a significant milestone with the participation of 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading industry players from around the world.

Serbian prime minister hails CIIE as vivid example of social, economic opening up

Serbian prime minister hails CIIE as vivid example of social, economic opening up

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition