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
