China once again underscored its firm commitment to openness and global cooperation as the 8th China Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on Wednesday. The world’s first national-level import-themed expo continues to serve as a beacon of stability and opportunity for the global economy.
China’s Drive for High-Standard Opening-Up
In his keynote speech, Premier Li Qiang reiterated China’s determination to advance high-standard opening-up, expand institutional reforms, and accelerate pilot programs for service industry liberalization. His remarks come as China remains the world’s second-largest import market for the 16th consecutive year, with goods and services imports projected to exceed 15 trillion U.S. dollars during the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025).
This year’s CIIE is the largest in history, hosting exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, with a record exhibition area of 430,000 square meters and 4,108 overseas exhibitors. According to the Ministry of Commerce, participation from global companies is “a strong vote of confidence in China’s economy and development prospects.”
Innovation and Global Brands on Display
The expo has attracted 290 Fortune 500 companies and global industry leaders, with U.S. firms maintaining the largest exhibition area for the seventh consecutive year. The Volkswagen Group and Sweden’s Alfa Laval both held their global board meetings in Shanghai during the event—underscoring China’s position as a vital business hub.
The exhibition unveiled 461 new products, technologies, and services, featuring innovations in AI, green energy, next-generation IT, and humanoid robotics. Tesla’s Cybercab made its Asia-Pacific debut, drawing attention for its futuristic design and full self-driving capability. Meanwhile, Johnson Controls launched a China-developed heat pump designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy use.
“China is not only a key market and manufacturing base but also a vital source of green innovation,” said Anu Rathninde, President of Johnson Controls Asia Pacific. “We are full of confidence in China’s economy.”
CIIE: From Exhibition to Collaboration Platform
Over seven years, the CIIE has transformed from a trade show into a global cooperation platform. The event has generated more than 500 billion U.S. dollars in intended transactions and facilitated over 1,100 investment promotion activities. Many companies have evolved from exhibitors to long-term investors in China.
For instance, Boehringer Ingelheim plans to invest 5 billion yuan in R&D in China over the next five years, while Henkel recently opened a 500-million-yuan innovation center in Shanghai. “China’s improving business environment and healthcare reforms create a fair and predictable landscape for multinationals like us,” said Mohammed Tawil, CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China.
According to official data, 48,921 new foreign-invested firms were registered in China in the first three quarters of 2025, marking a 16.2% year-on-year increase. From 2021 to 2025, foreign direct investment in China has surpassed 700 billion U.S. dollars, significantly higher than in the previous five-year period.
This year’s CIIE places strong emphasis on inclusive growth and shared prosperity. A dedicated exhibition area for products from least developed countries (LDCs) was launched, helping their enterprises leverage zero-tariff policies and expand into the Chinese market. Exhibitors from LDCs increased by 23.5% compared to last year.
For the first time, a Global South sub-forum was held to explore strategies for enhancing economic resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture. Meanwhile, over 1,500 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from more than 50 countries joined through international business associations, supported by a new cross-border e-commerce platform connecting product showcases to logistics and delivery systems.
Stories of Opportunity and Cooperation
Beyond statistics, the expo reflects personal stories of global collaboration. Peruvian artisan Oswaldo Mamani, who showcased his handmade alpaca plush toys “Warmpaca” at the CIIE, saw his small workshop grow into an international success story—lifting over 200 local families out of poverty through stable orders from Chinese buyers.
Similarly, Pakistani jeweler Aqeel Chaudhry turned his brand’s CIIE debut into nationwide expansion. His pendant inspired by the expo’s four-leaf clover design became a bestseller. “To me, the four-leaf clover represents not only the CIIE itself but the deeper connection global businesses seek with China,” he said.
