Malian exhibitors say CIIE helps them better understand Chinese market

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) has helped Mali businesses better understand the Chinese market and needs of Chinese consumers, said Malian exhibitors at the expo.

Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, has established broader and deeper connections with China and the world by showcasing its specialty products at the CIIE.

As the world's second-largest producer of shea butter, Mali plays a significant role in the global supply chain by contributing nearly 20 percent of the product worldwide. This substantial contribution underscores the crucial importance of shea butter to Mali's economy.

Malian exhibitors said they are honored to join the expo.

"It is an excellent platform where exhibitors represent their countries. It's a rare opportunity to be invited as an exhibitor. This is my honor," said a shea butter exhibitor.

"The CIIE is extremely beneficial for us. It allows small- and medium-sized enterprises to better understand the Chinese market and the demands of Chinese consumers," said Kassim Kone, an official from the Mali Export Promotion Agency.

China is offering over 120 free booths and other support measures to 37 of the world's least developed countries at the 2024 CIIE, thereby helping them showcase their products at the expo. China has also expanded the exhibition area for African agricultural products.

China's imports of African agricultural products have registered strong growth over the past years with the country rolling out supportive policies, including streamlining customs procedures and reducing or exempting tariffs.

The 7th CIIE, which concluded on Sunday, attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions to its business exhibition 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.

Malian exhibitors say CIIE helps them better understand Chinese market

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has brought a dazzling array of active equipment and staged spectacular flight demonstrations to visitors at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which opened in south China's coastal city of Zhuhai on Tuesday.

This year, the PLA Navy opened an indoor exhibition hall at the airshow for the first time, mainly exhibiting two sections of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, and opened a navy flight recruitment theme exhibition area and an interactive experience area to introduce the recruitment and training of carrier-based aircraft pilots to the public.

In the outdoor static display area, the PLA Navy also exhibited the domestically-produced J-15T carrier-based fighter jets, Z-9F shipborne anti-submarine helicopters, Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, as well as various shipborne weapon systems and maritime rescue and life-saving equipment.

In the flight demonstration section, the Navy also sent the J-15D carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, J-15T carrier-based fighter, Z-20J carrier-based helicopter, and Z-8C transport helicopter for flight demonstrations for the first time.

Meanwhile, marines and the first batch of female carrier-based aircraft pilots also made public appearances at the airshow.

"It is of great significance that the PLA Navy has sent real equipment to the Airshow China for the first time. First of all, by displaying the latest naval main combat equipment in service, people can further understand the latest achievements of the PLA Navy's construction and development in the past 75 years. On the other hand, by displaying the latest main combat equipment in service, it also demonstrates the open, transparent attitude and confidence of the PLA Navy," said military expert Zhang Junshe.

PLA Navy displays active equipment, stunning flight demonstrations at Zhuhai Airshow