CICPE shows China’s concrete actions to open up: commentary

The 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) is a proof of China taking concrete actions in fulfilling its promise for opening up, according to a commentary published by a Chinese language media outlet, The Real Point, on Saturday.

An edited English version of the commentary is as follows:

At a time when trade protectionism is on the rise and the United States abusing tariffs is impacting economic globalization, the 5th CICPE, with the theme of "share open opportunities, co-create a better life," holds even greater significance.

During the six days (from April 13 to 18), the expo attracted the participation of a record-breaking 1,767 companies and 4,209 consumer brands from 71 countries and regions, seeing 92 billion yuan (about 12.6 billion U.S. dollars) in intended deals. In addition, hundreds of firms have already signed up for the next session. All these have demonstrated the appeal of the Chinese market.

Where does such attractiveness come from?

Many overseas exhibitors participating in the expo noted that what they valued most was the opportunities brought about by China's consumer market expansion.

Data has shown that in 2024, China's total retail sales of consumer goods hit 48.8 trillion yuan, up 3.5 percent year on year. This has made China the world's second-largest consumer goods market and the largest online retail market for more than a decade.

Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group who has taken part in the event for five years presented more than 200 products this year. It also signed a large deal worth 4.38 billion yuan on the opening day.

Zhang Shuhui, senior president of Charoen Pokphand Group's Agro-industry and Food Business China Area, said the company always has faith in Chinese market; and the potentials of China's consumer market and the country's policy of continuously expanding opening up are important reasons why they participate CICPE and invest in China.

Meanwhile, as China accelerates the development of new quality productive forces, its consumer market is constantly renewing and upgrading, injecting new impetus into the growth of foreign enterprises in the country.

The Global Innovation Index 2024, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization, ranks China 11th among the world's most innovative economies.

As one of the countries that have made the fastest progress in terms of innovation over past ten years, China set up a consumer technology section for the first time at this year's CICPE, aiming to boost enterprises' long-term innovative development.

Boston Scientific exhibited five innovative products, which cover weight management and tumor intervention, hoping to stimulate China's health consumption demand with innovative supplies.

Germany's Volkswagen Group (China) displayed 11 car models, showcasing its long-term commitment and firm confidence in the Chinese market.

The year 2025 is when the free trade port (FTP) in south China's Hainan Province will officially begin independent customs operations. This means, people can enjoy a series of favorable policies, including duty-free policy, in Hainan where the CICPE was held.

Such measures are expected to introduce more quality products to the island province, turning it into the forefront of opening up.

The combination of CICPE and FTP has attracted an increasing number of exhibitors to invest in Hainan.

Noting that their Yalong Bay project was signed in Hainan last year, Nancy Liu, president of DFS China, said that it is the company's largest single investment in the past six decades, which will help them to better seize the unparalleled opportunities of consumption upgrade in China.

Vincent Boinay, L'Oreal's North Asia Zone President and China CEO, believes that China's high-quality development and high-level opening up have brought broad opportunities for foreign investment, with Hainan being a vivid epitome.

Following the conclusion of the CICPE, the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, is now in full swing. Other international expos, such as China International Supply Chain Expo, China International Fair for Trade in Services and China International Import Expo are on their way.

China has been fulfilling its commitment with concrete actions – the door for opening up will be wider and wider. For foreign capitals, it is obvious where their opportunities and future are.

CICPE shows China’s concrete actions to open up: commentary

CICPE shows China’s concrete actions to open up: commentary

CICPE shows China’s concrete actions to open up: commentary

A Russian State Duma deputy praised the robust ties between China and Russia, voicing firm confidence in the promising future of their bilateral cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a state visit to Russia and to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit underscores the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two nations and their shared focus on historical remembrance and global cooperation.

Russian State Duma Deputy Yaroslav Yevgenyevich Nilov emphasized the strength and future potential of Russia-China relations, highlighting mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared global responsibilities during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Nilov praised the historical and modern-day foundation of Russia-China cooperation, attributing mutual respect and shared development goals as key pillars of the partnership.

"Russian-Chinese relations, in modern times and historically, have developed on the basis of mutual respect and recognition. Examining the history of Russia and China reveals many things in common. You only need to observe the significant growth and strengthening of both economies, particularly due to close cooperation and bilateral relations. Regular exchanges of delegations, international visits and events, the creation of favorable conditions, the opening of new markets for goods, and the expansion of joint production. All these factors contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation. This has a positive impact on key areas such as the labor market, social development, and economic growth, benefiting both Russia and China," Nilov stated.

When asked about President Xi's call to leverage the resilience and certainty of the bilateral relationship, Nilov said that maintaining strong ties requires thoughtful diplomacy and a shared vision for global balance.

"It relates to the prudent stewardship of our bilateral partnership, our shared commitment to advancing progress, fostering development, and reinforcing cooperation with the aim of preserving global multipolarity. Fundamentally grounded in the mutual recognition and respect for each other's sovereign positions, even in instances where perspectives may diverge. We consistently endeavor to maintain a respectful dialog, reasoned discourse, and sustained engagement, both at the political and humanitarian levels. It is precisely through these channels that constructive collaboration between our nations continues to flourish: cultural exchanges are deepening, scientific advancement is being fostered, and resilient trade linkages are being created. Thus, it is evident that all necessary prerequisites exist for the further development and consolidation of relationships within the established paradigm, a framework wherein the previously mentioned objectives are not only achievable but actively pursued. Moreover, I am confident that the ongoing high-level engagements taking place in the Russian Federation, as well as those set to continue following the conclusion of the celebratory events, will serve to further solidify the reinforcement of our bilateral ties and, crucially, the enduring friendship between our nations," said Nilov.

Russian State Duma deputy hails strong Russia-China partnership