A senior World Trade Organization (WTO) economist has highlighted the unique platform offered by the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in connecting global traders with the vast Chinese market while stressing China's role in shaping the multilateral trading system as the country marks the 25th anniversary of its accession to WTO.
Economist Stela Rubinova shared her views in an interview with China Media Group (CMG) at the expo, which is set to conclude Tuesday after attracting more than 4,100 overseas exhibitors during its six-day run in Shanghai.
Since its launch in 2018 as the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to imports, the CIIE has grown into a major platform for international trade and investment.
Rubinova, who is attending the event for the first time, said that the expo's focus on imports is the defining feature that sets it apart.
"I must say that already the first impression I have, as with many things in China, is the scale and also how very well organized it is. What is special about CIIE is indeed its focus on the import side. It helps connect foreign producers with potential customers in China and thus forging new trading relationships," she said.
"On the other hand, Chinese potential customers need to understand what products they're offering and so getting them together in a platform like CIIE actually helps to reduce these information costs to reach out to each other, to understand the situation, and effectively it makes it possible that the trade policy like tariffs is implemented or is actually facilitated by reducing these other trade costs," Rubinova said.
WTO data shows that China's real gross domestic product (GDP) grew nearly sevenfold between 2000 and 2025, while global GDP doubled over the same period.
Asked how the relationship between China and the WTO has evolved over the years, Rubinova pointed to China's efforts to promote multilateralism and push for reform, calling the country a "constructive participant" within the organization and highlighting measures including its zero-tariff treatment for African countries which seek to promote a more open global trading environment.
"As China grew and modernized, it has become a major player in shaping the multilateral trading system. China is a constructive participant in all WTO regular committee work and has actively participated in and led initiatives such as investment facilitation for development and initiatives on e-commerce. It has also played an important role in facilitating the adoption of new agreements such as on fishery subsidies," she said.
"Moreover, China has been a big supporter of development initiatives and capacity-building activities for other developing members. The support has recently expanded, including providing zero-tariff access to all 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations in China. In September, China circulated a paper outlining its position and suggestions on WTO reform, which is currently under discussion among members alongside other proposals," Rubinova continued.
While attending a seminar on the World Trade Report 2026 which was held as part of the expo on Friday, Rubinova noted that WTO members face a choice between upholding the rules-based system and sliding toward a fragmented trading order -- the latter of which would ultimately hurt most economies.
Drawing on the central theme of the report, which described this year as "a critical juncture for the world trading system", Rubinova underscored China's role in advancing WTO reform at this crucial time for the global economy.
"China's engagement and leadership is vital for the reform discussions at the WTO and this shows that China is actively engaging in this important reform process, and consequently there are strong expectations for China to take on greater responsibilities," she told CMG.
WTO economist highlights CIIE's unique value, China's growing role in multilateral trade
