The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened in Shanghai on the 5th, with Premier Li Qiang of the State Council attending the opening ceremony and delivering the keynote speech. This year's expo has set a new record in scale, not only featuring areas such as new artificial intelligence and green and low-carbon industries, but also with leading global enterprises showcasing their latest achievements. This covers highly anticipated future industries like the low-altitude economy and humanoid robots. For the first time, a special exhibition area for products from the least developed countries has been set up, further expanding and upgrading the existing African products zone.
In his opening speech, Li Qiang stated that the CIIE is becoming better organized and more welcomed and supported by companies from an increasing number of countries. In contrast, current unilateralism and protectionist actions internationally have severely impacted the international economic and trade order, disrupted the operation of the world economy, and brought enormous challenges to the development of many countries. What values and philosophies should be upheld in international economic and trade activities has become an increasingly significant and practical issue.
He stated that the more the world economy slows down and international disputes intensify, the more we should adhere to equality and mutually beneficial cooperation, embrace the free market and free trade, and promote the resolution of various contradictions and problems through joint development.
Li Qiang said that China is willing to work with all parties to create a more open and inclusive development environment, enhance the level of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and ensure the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains. This year's CIIE involves over 150 countries and regions, with more than 4,100 overseas companies exhibiting. Li Qiang noted that the CIIE is increasingly welcomed and supported by companies from numerous countries. As a window for China to build a new development pattern, a platform for promoting high-level openness, and an international public good shared globally, it is not only an entry point for the world economy into the Chinese economy but also an important bridge that connects China to the rest of the world.
China's Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping stated that, building on last year's 3,496 participating companies, over 600 new companies have joined, with 290 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders taking part.