The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai wrapped up on November 10, 2024, showcasing unprecedented global participation and a surge in business opportunities. This year’s event recorded tentative trade deals totalling USD 80.01 billion, a 2% increase from the previous year, underscoring its importance as a platform for international trade and collaboration.
The CIIE, which has grown in stature since its inception, welcomed 77 countries and international organisations from across five continents, each representing their unique cultures and technologies at the Comprehensive Country Exhibition. The participating nations incorporated national identities into their booth designs and hosted over 200 engaging events, further enhancing the global spirit of cooperation.
A key feature of this year’s expo was the Enterprise & Business Exhibition, which saw a record 3,496 companies from 129 countries and regions. This included 1,585 companies from 104 nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, 1,106 companies from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and 132 exhibitors from 35 least developed countries, marking an inclusive and diverse representation.
Innovation Takes Centre Stage
Innovation has been a hallmark of the CIIE, and this year’s edition continued that tradition, with a dedicated Innovation Incubation Special Section showcasing 360 innovative projects from 34 countries. This initiative is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups, providing them with a global stage for growth.
The expo also served as a launchpad for new products and technologies. Multinational companies introduced 450 new items, including over 100 global product launches, 40 Asia premieres, and more than 200 China debuts. These innovations span various sectors, from consumer goods to cutting-edge technology, reflecting the dynamic shifts in global demand and technological advancement.
Dialogue and Cooperation at the Hongqiao Forum
An important aspect of the CIIE is the Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF), which this year attracted over 8,600 registrations. The forum brought together more than 300 global leaders and experts from politics, business, and academia to discuss key global issues. Among the highlights was the release of the 2024 World Openness Report and the World Openness Index, which emphasised the importance of openness and collaboration in addressing the challenges of today’s interconnected world.
As the 7th CIIE concluded, it was clear that the event had cemented its place as a vital gateway for global trade, innovation, and economic cooperation. The positive outcomes from this year’s expo are expected to pave the way for even more fruitful engagements in the future, with preparations already underway for the 8th edition. The CIIE continues to be a critical stage for nations and businesses to forge new connections and open doors to greater economic opportunities.
With the world continuing to embrace the benefits of international trade and collaboration, the CIIE’s role in advancing global cooperation remains more important than ever. The event is expected to continue to grow, welcoming more countries and enterprises to join in its mission of fostering a more connected and innovative global economy.
