Global merchants make final preparation for upcoming China International Import Expo

Merchants from around the world are in the final stretch of preparation work for the upcoming 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) scheduled for Nov. 5 to 10 in Shanghai.

Currently, exhibitors are busy taking inventory of their products, checking supply chains, and fine-tuning the items they're set to unveil at the expo.

"We've brought 14 product categories to the current CIIE. For example, rose and frankincense oils from the Middle East have just cleared customs and are being rushed to the expo. They're produced in very limited quantities, so we set aside stocks for this once-a-year opportunity. That's why we chose the CIIE, this big stage, to showcase them," said an exhibitor from the Oman import pavilion at the venue.

Prior to the opening of the 9th CIIE, the first CIIE-themed OPC (One Person Company) community was officially inaugurated. Covering 10,000 square meters, it aims to help innovation and entrepreneurship in areas such as international trade, cross-border e-commerce, digital marketing and exhibition services with its location and resource advantages.

"Downstairs is the Global Commodity Trading Hub, with the National Convention and Exhibition Center right behind it. We can build brand awareness, showcase our products, meet clients and develop channel partnerships here. It has given us a larger platform for our business growth and for exploring AI," said Hao Pingping, an entrepreneur.

Since its debut in 2018, the CIIE has become a showcase of China's new development paradigm, a platform for high-standard opening-up, and a public good for the whole world.

Global merchants make final preparation for upcoming China International Import Expo

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with visiting Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Beijing on Tuesday, to discuss relations between their two countries.

Thongsavanh is in China to attend the 11th Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Wang said China is ready to work with Laos to further build a community with a shared future.

He urged efforts from both sides to make full use of the Joint Committee for China-Laos Economic Corridor Cooperation, accelerate development of the China-Laos Railway, and expand cooperation in trade and mineral resources.

Thongsavanh said Laos is committed to advancing the building of a Laos-China community with a shared future, and strengthening cooperation with China in connectivity, energy, mineral resources, and artificial intelligence.

He also pledged closer coordination to combat transnational crime and jointly safeguard ASEAN unity and autonomy, as well as regional peace and stability.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and the Year of China-Laos Friendship.

The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism comprises six countries: China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, which share the Lancang-Mekong River basin. The Mekong River, known as the Lancang River in China, originates in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province and flows through the six countries, linking their economies and creating opportunities for regional cooperation.

Chinese foreign minister meets Lao deputy prime minister on relations