Exhibitors laud China's Consumer Products Expo for boosting global collaboration

The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), which opened Sunday in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, serves as a pivotal platform for global trade collaboration and showcases the rising influence of high-tech industries amid ongoing global uncertainties, according to exhibitors. Scheduled from April 13 to 18, the fifth CICPE has attracted over 4,000 brands from 71 countries and regions, covering emerging sectors such as digital consumption, health products, and green consumption.

In a special exhibition area for new product launches, 25 Chinese and international entities, alongside 40 brands, will unveil over 100 series and individual products spanning industries such as beauty, electronics, and health care.

International guests highlighted that the CICPE provides countries a valuable opportunity to explore viable business prospects amid economic and political uncertainties.

"I think this time is China's time, especially [considering] what's going on now internationally, with tariffs and with all the other political things. Therefore, I think it's good for others to work together with China in this time," said Zayed bin Aweidha, CEO of Abu Dhabi Investment Group (ADIG).

"It brings a real opportunity for countries to work together, for Ireland, to come together, to show our products here in this beautiful stage, beautiful province of Hainan. We have a lot in common with China -- high-tech, pharmaceutical, life sciences -- and these are areas that we are very happy to cooperate with," said Nicholas O'Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to China.

This year's expo highlights consumer trends, and features a special exhibition section dedicated to the low-altitude economy.

Representatives from flying car and robot companies stated that they view the event as a chance to boost their brands' visibility and engage with a broader consumer base.

"Low-altitude economy was included in the government's work report, and China is promoting upgrading of consumption. By enabling people to experience riding in flying cars, we try to make them feel the joy of flying. I think it is worth looking forward to," said Sun Ming, an exhibitor.

"eople have high expectations, and pay a lot of attention to bipedal robots. This is also a very important reason why we came to the Consumer Products Expo. We want to listen more widely to consumers' voices on their needs, product scenarios and applications, so that we can design and plan future products in a targeted manner," said Lin Zhilong, an exhibitor.

As China's sole national-level exhibition dedicated to consumer goods, this year's edition spotlights innovation and fosters global collaboration.

Exhibitors laud China's Consumer Products Expo for boosting global collaboration

Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.

In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.

"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.

Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.

Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.

"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.

Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.

Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.

"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.

Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela