First batch of overseas CIIE exhibits set off from New Zealand

China

First batch of overseas CIIE exhibits set off from New Zealand

2025-09-21 17:25 Last Updated At：18:07

The first batch of exhibits for the upcoming 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE) departed from the Port of Auckland in New Zealand on Saturday, marking the countdown to the major expo.

The 2025 CIIE is scheduled to be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.

Thanks to continuous improvements in customs procedures, inspection standards, and intellectual property protections, New Zealand's high-quality products are entering China's vast consumer market more smoothly than ever. These measures have reduced barriers, making it easier for producers to supply Chinese consumers with dairy, seafood, and other premium exports.

Theland, which has participated in all seven previous editions of the CIIE, has reaffirmed its commitment to the expo. Roy Van Den Hurk, the company's chief executive officer, views the CIIE as a vital platform for growing his business and expanding into the Chinese market.

"Our company has been at the expo from the first one in 2018 and then we were, I'll call it a relatively new company entering into the Chinese market. And the expo has been very good for us as a company. We've grown every single year and the opportunities are great because the CIIE is the largest expo in the world for importers going into a country. And so we have an opportunity to introduce our products to the Chinese consumers. Also, it's a great opportunity to meet potential Chinese distributors and customers and shops," he said.

New Zealand's exports of dairy and seafood are crucial to its economy, as these products require strict transportation protocols to maintain their freshness and quality. To ensure the safe and timely arrival of exhibits, China's COSCO Shipping Lines, the officially recommended service provider for the CIIE, has arranged dedicated logistics support, establishing a specialized transport team overseeing the entire chain.

"Our equipment uses internationally advanced temperature-controlled sterilization technology, with 24-hour monitoring and recording of temperatures for all the exhibits. We also conduct continuous inspections to ensure all parameters of the exhibits meet requirements. Meanwhile, we have contingency plans in place to handle any emergencies, ensuring the quality of the exhibits remains intact throughout the journey," said Zong Zhiyong, captain of the COSCO Felixstow container ship.

ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges

The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.

The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.

The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.

The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.

The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.

The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.

The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.

Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.

The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.

The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.