A news conference held in Shanghai on Wednesday briefs journalists on the preparations for the seventh China International Import Expo, which is scheduled for November. [Photo/China Daily]

Preparations are in full swing for the seventh China International Import Expo, which is set to take place from Nov. 5 to 10. With the countdown now at 100 days, the expo's progress and highlights are being revealed, celebrating past milestones while promising innovations and fostering new global partnerships this year.

International participation

To build momentum and engage a global audience, the CIIE Bureau has launched a worldwide promotional campaign, including roadshows and story collection initiatives.

These efforts aim to highlight the expo's role in fostering international trade and cooperation, inviting more attendees from around the world.

To date, the seventh CIIE is set to welcome more than 50 countries and international organizations at the Country Exhibition. This year's expo will also see first-time participants, including Norway, Benin, Burundi and UNICEF.

These nations and organizations are gearing up to present their unique cultural and economic offerings through meticulously designed exhibits. Emphasis will be placed on bilateral cooperation achievements, demonstrating the enduring friendships and collaborative efforts between China and these parties.

"The Country Exhibition has become a platform where countries can improve their global image and increase their international presence," said Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau. "Countries from five continents are set to be a part of the exhibition this year, with strong engagement from those involved in the Belt and Road Initiative."

Global innovation

"Participating in the CIIE is very rewarding, as it gives us the chance to introduce our latest innovations to Chinese consumers," said Bernd Wagner, CEO of WS Audiology China, during a pre-expo supply-demand matchmaking meeting on July 24.

Over the years, companies from 173 countries and regions have made appearances at the CIIE and carried out tentative transactions worth $424.23 billion. More than 2,400 products, technologies and services have debuted at the annual expo.

The 2024 Enterprise and Business Exhibition continues to be a cornerstone of the CIIE, featuring six main areas: food and agricultural products; automobiles; the intelligent industry and information technology; consumer goods; medical equipment and healthcare products; and trade in services.

Innovation is to be the buzzword for this year's Business Exhibition as the expo will, for the first time, feature a special section for new materials. This area is to spotlight cutting-edge technologies and advancements and promote innovation and development in the sector.

The New Materials special section will feature newcomers like Aptiv and Alstom, highlighting the growing influence and rising popularity of the CIIE.

Moreover, the automobile exhibition area is being curated with a focus on inviting exhibitors from the autonomous driving sector, the low-altitude economy and new energy storage solutions, showcasing the key elements of future mobility.

Meanwhile, this year's health and elder care zone — committed to displaying the world's leading healthcare products, technologies and services for the elderly — aims to unlock new momentum and develop the "silver economy".

According to the CIIE Bureau, more than 360,000 square meters of the business exhibition area has been booked, outpacing that of the sixth edition. A greater number of professional visitors are expected to attend the expo and mix with more potential trade partners this November.

More than 150 global companies have signed up for seven consecutive years, continuing the story of mutual cooperation and success. Global Fortune 500 companies like Mitsubishi Corporation and tech company NTT will make their first appearance at the trade fair this year.

Besides industry giants, small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to find ample opportunities at the CIIE.

Sun said the expo will assist targeted matchmaking events, helping SMEs connect with potential buyers and partners. The exhibition layout has been optimized to enhance the visibility and effect of SME booths, ensuring each receives the attention they deserve.

The newly expanded African agricultural products subsection is set to become another big hit this year. This section will spotlight unique offerings from these countries, promoting greater economic inclusion and showcasing the rich diversity of global agricultural products.

Advocating globalization

Continuing its tradition of leadership philosophy, the seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum will take place alongside the CIIE, with a strong focus on promoting inclusive and beneficial economic globalization and topics including artificial intelligence, new energy storage, industrial growth and sustainability.

One of the forum's highlights will be the release of the World Openness Report 2024, followed by an international seminar. This report, a flagship publication of the Hongqiao Forum, will provide in-depth analysis and insights into global trends and policy recommendations for fostering a more inclusive world economy.

This year's CIIE and HQF Gala will continue to precede the opening ceremony. The gala will offer enhanced services such as early information disclosure to facilitate networking with forum guests. Media interactions will also be introduced to increase visibility.

"The Hongqiao Forum not only fosters trade and economic exchanges but also conveys a positive energy of openness and development to the world," said Einar Tangen, senior fellow of Taihe Institute. He looks forward to the seventh Hongqiao Forum promoting the concept of openness, sharing development opportunities and bringing more inspiration to the world.

With the 100-day countdown to the seventh CIIE underway, more than 30 early birds such as L'Oreal, Honeywell and Jaguar Land Rover have reserved their exhibition space for the eighth CIIE in 2025 at a signing ceremony, covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters.

"The CIIE is once again ready to offer unparalleled opportunities for businesses, nations and organizations to showcase their achievements, forge new partnerships and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous global economy," Sun said.

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