The ongoing 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is gathering strong momentum in trade and investment, with over 400 cooperation agreements inked at its collective signing sessions.
The CIIE, running from Nov 5 to 10 in Shanghai, has attracted 4,142 overseas exhibitors across more than 440,000 square meters, with over 480 exhibits making their global, Asian or China debut, the highest number in the event's history.
Around 80 supporting events have been held at the expo so far. A trade and investment matchmaking event alone brought together more than 600 exhibitors and over 2,000 buyers from 59 countries and regions.
More than 60 collective signing sessions have been held, attracting over 100 purchasing companies and organizations.
UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo highlighted the organization's first-time participation in the expo and the strong appeal of the Chinese market.
"There's an incredible level of energy here and, and this is very appealing to us, we as UNDP, the UN Development Programme participating for the first time at CIIE. A number of reasons, but the number one reason is the UN system is a big purchaser of goods and services here in China. It's more than 200 million a year that we buy in a broad range, going from pharmaceuticals to electronics, to heavy equipment," he said.
China's state-owned enterprises have also stepped up procurement deals, particularly in energy and resources. China National Petroleum Corporation has signed procurement agreements worth nearly 19 billion U.S. dollars, covering oil and gas resources, high-end equipment, and green and low-carbon development.
"'Export to China' connects with demand — it not only enriches domestic consumer supply but also brings development opportunities to partners around the world. China's vast market is becoming a great opportunity for the world," said Chen Gang, vice president of COFCO Corporation.
Over 400 cooperation deals inked at CIIE signing sessions
Buyer-seller matchmaking events at the ongoing 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai are helping new and veteran global exhibitors connect with Chinese buyers and navigate market opportunities, as the annual trade fair continues to serve as a gateway for businesses to tap into the world's second-largest consumer market.
The expo, held from Nov. 5 to 10, brings together 4,142 overseas exhibitors, offering a glimpse into the diversity and creativity of global products.
More than 150 purchasers turned out to scout products at a series of matchmaking events during this year's CIIE, as one-on-one business meetings accelerate the flow of quality goods from around the world into China's vast market.
"This year, more than 150 buyers signed up for the VIP Buyers Selection Events and Buyers' Zone during the 9th CIIE, with the overall scale expanding by nearly 20 percent. It's been incredibly busy -- just look at the big screen: the total number of matchmaking rounds has already reached nearly 400," said Zhu Yunxin, a staff member at the Investment Promotion Office of the China International Import Expo Bureau.
Emilio Mendez from Chile is a veteran exhibitor who has attended every edition of the CIIE. This year he brought more than a dozen products from his country, including red wine and honey. On the first day of the expo, more than 50 new and returning customers visited his booth.
"This year, I've seen more than 30 percent more Chinese buyers than in previous years. If a product from abroad offers good value for money, it sells quickly in China," the exhibitor said.
Mendez is just one of the fair veterans who has expanded his exhibit selection at this year's event. After experiencing success at previous editions, Swiss air purification company IQAir has brought its latest model.
"So this is our seventh time at the CIIE and we always bring something special because we know this event is very important. And this year we brought the Atem Earth Plus. It's the world's first high-performance air purifier with a wood housing," said Frank Hammes, Global CEO of the Swiss air purification company IQAir.
Representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have also attended the fair in recent years, using it as a platform to source purchases for their global operations. At this year's edition, the UNDP has brought its own exhibit for the first time.
UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo said the exhibit is also helping promote the UNDP's soon-to-open Global Centre for Sustainable Development in Shanghai.
"That is a center that is here in Shanghai, but it is working for the rest of the world. It's leveraging Shanghai's incredible innovation capacity. It's leveraging also your connectiveness to the rest of the world," said De Croo.
Launched in 2018 as the world's first national-level expo dedicated to imports, the CIIE has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets.
Buyer-seller matchmaking events at 9th CIIE help global exhibitors navigate market opportunities
