International exhibitors at the just-concluded fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), held in Haikou City of south China's Hainan Province, said they expect to benefit from expanding opportunities in the Chinese market.
The expo attracted more than 1,700 firms from 71 countries and regions, covering emerging sectors such as digital consumption, health products, and green consumption.
As the guest country of honor this year, the UK had a total of 27 companies and institutions participating the event, involving several sectors, such as cosmetics, fashion, health, lifestyle and outdoor equipment.
UK exhibitors, many of whom were taking part in the expo for the first time this year, were optimistic about building new partnerships in the country.
"The Chinese market is so important to us. We want to bring things that perhaps aren't already available from local Chinese brands," said a British exhibitor.
In 2024, Britain became the European country with the largest investment in China and the second-largest destination for China's investment in Europe.
Lewis Neal, UK Trade Commissioner for China, saw the expo as a chance to introduce more emerging British brands to China.
"We see trends in consumption in China that we think match with what our businesses here have to offer. So we very much see growth in travel, sports, health and wellbeing. And we think we are here exactly at the right time to benefit from that growth," said Neal.
Currently, U.S. tariff policies are adding more twists to the global economy, and plenty of overseas enterprises are setting their sights on China as their new goal for trade expansion, with some placing a particular focus on Hainan as a free trade port.
"I think we all know what's happening in the world right now with tariffs and what's happening in the Western side. So I think it's a great opportunity for us to be able to grow and open business between Canada and China. Very excited about the duty-free opportunities, especially in Hainan, a lot of duty-free opportunities," said a Canadian exhibitor.
Foreign exhibitors at CICPE see growing prospects in Chinese market
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
