"Open Trade and Security-based Development", a sub-forum at the 8th Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, east China, Wednesday gathered distinguished global experts to deliberate on trade openness, supply chain resilience, and global governance.
As an important part of the 2025 China International Import Expo (CIIE), the sub-forum featured prominent scholars, including Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences Thomas Sargent and Columbia University Professor Jeffrey Sachs.
"The technology that truly 'wins' is the one that is not only more effective to use, but also offers cost-scale advantages, has greater diffusion potential, and empowers other countries, enabling them to innovate more independently. In this regard, I believe China's technology is a kind of spreading technology. From green energy to infrastructure, including AI and the optimization of our entire governance system, China’s technology is empowering other countries," said Jin Keyu, professor from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The 8th China International Import Expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum opened in Shanghai on Wednesday, with organizers saying these events demonstrate China's determination to promote high-standard opening up and shared development with the rest of the world.
International economic forum in east China tackles open trade, security-based development
Innovative household products featuring multifunctionality and cultural designs have helped exhibitors to enhance international competitiveness at the ongoing 139th China Import and Export Fair, also known as Canton Fair, in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.
A building material that can be used not only for wall decoration, but also as a screen after being charged with electricity, is shining at the building and furniture exhibition area of the event's second phase, running from April 23 to 27 under the theme of "Quality Home Life."
"It enables our building material to become smarter and more flexible. At present, the product has entered European and the U.S. markets for sale, and has been well received in the markets," said exhibitor Feng Liangcheng, general manager of international business at Phomi Holding, developer of the building material.
Many exhibitors have shown household products that integrate traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern industrial designs, such as a set of vase-shaped multifunctional tableware inspired by ancient China's Dunhuang culture.
"It's very impressive. It's something new and very interesting, innovative in some points while matching the cultural meaning of those products throughout the China history. That's what gets me the most, I guess," said Edoardo Orlandini, an Italian buyer.
The event also features an upgraded trade service area where 86 domestic design institutions are providing services for overseas purchasers and exhibitors, including not only industrial design, interior design and brand consulting services, but also new services like fashion design, artificial intelligence design and intangible cultural heritage design. It aims to create a platform where designers and manufacturers get in touch and closely cooperate.
The 139th Canton Fair, which opened on April 15, consists of three phases. The first phase, which concluded on April 19, was themed "advanced manufacturing," while the third phase, which will take place from May 1 to 5, will focus on "Better Life."
Innovative household products enhance exhibitors' international competitiveness at Canton Fair
