The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) opened its doors to the general public on Thursday, attracting large crowds as the five-day expo entered its fourth day.
Once seen as a behind-the-scenes topic for industry insiders, global supply networks are gaining mainstream interest. By opening its doors to the general public, the event shows how AI developments and applications -- a major theme at the expo -- are shaping supply chain resilience and impacting their daily lives.
Visitors were allowed free entry after registering through official online channels. Organizers said foot traffic was noticeably higher than on earlier days, with queues forming at several booths -- including a coffee stand fully operated by a robot.
In response to the surge in attendance, the expo's organizers set up 28 dining zones with a capacity of over 5,000 seats, food trucks and bars, featuring well-known domestic and international restaurant brands.
The cultural zone featured blind box collectibles, themed ice cream and upgraded AI mascots.
Organizers also deployed an array of upgraded service infrastructure across the venue, highlighted by a fleet of AI-powered robotic volunteers placed at key entrances and exhibition intersections to provide navigation and multi-lingual guidance. The deployment included humanoid robot models capable of engaging in natural conversational interactions with visitors.
Apart from the consumer-facing exhibition, the expo maintained its focus on business-to-business engagement, hosting five industrial and commercial exchange events on Thursday morning on topics of commercial law, home supply chain, carbon footprint, and agricultural trade policies, aimed at driving supply chain integration.
At a key international conference on agricultural trade policy, representatives from the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and delegates from various Asian and European nations convened to discuss agricultural trade frameworks over the next five years, concluding by reaching several points of consensus.
More exchange events and product launches were scheduled later in the day.
Since opening on Monday, the expo has drawn more than 670 exhibitors from 85 countries, regions and international organizations.
China supply chain expo opens to public
