Global politicians and celebrities alike praise the China International Import Expo (CIIE). Arancha González, Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), made the following remarks in an interview.

Ms. González began with the introduction of ITC’s role. ITC, she said, works closely with the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to support countries in using trade opportunities that they have and translate these opportunities into more trade on the ground. As the SMEs are at the base of the economic pyramid in all countries, ITC helps them understand their market opportunities, become more competitive, access finance, and also connect to buyers in foreign markets.

Ms. González fully recognized the breathtaking rise of China’s economy and trade at a steady pace. 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy. These 40 years are probably a unique miracle in the history of humankind, as in which the wealth per capita in China has increased by 40 times, with 700 million people getting out of poverty. The Chinese economy, ranking No. 15 in the world 40 years ago, has ascended to the first or second place as of today. 115 out of global top 500 companies are Chinese companies, which is also a very unique miracle. This miracle has exerted a substantial impact on the lives of Chinese people. How much of this other countries could get inspiration from, Ms. González said, is an experiment that in her view is worth looking into, examining and further thinking. 

Ms. González greatly looked forward to the CIIE. Through this import expo, she thought, China is sending a positive signal to the outside. It is of great significance for getting Chinese companies to access other markets, and also welcoming other countries to get access to China’s market. It is conducive to creating a win-win result for international trade. All countries keep their markets open, and work to ensure mutually-advantageous exchanges. That is exactly the mission of this import expo and the reason why ITC supports the expo.

Ms. González was very proud that ITC can be a partner of China in the 1st import expo. For one reason, it is a very unique fair, different from traditional fairs about exports. It is instead about imports, signaling a commitment of China to move from being a global factory to being a global market. For another, it is a space for dialog. ITC will organize a dialog on South-South cooperation for countries along the Belt and Road initiative to learn from each other’s experience, hence creating a space for debating, learning and exchanging. There will also be a space for trading, for buyers and sellers to meet each other. Companies are supported by that to access Chinese market. China is a very big market, which many countries are greatly interested in. More importantly, ITC will work with China to make sure that other countries can have a better understanding of China and that SMEs in poorer countries can also get a chance to develop through international trade to China. ITC has committed to bringing one hundred SMEs from other countries to this expo, enabling them to experience how to sell their products and services into China. 

Background Introduction:

Established in 1964, the International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations through the?United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

ITC works with developing and transition economies in focus areas as below. Lay down effective trade promotion programmes for expanding exports and improving imports. Provide trade intelligence service for enterprises and trade institutions to communicate information about goods, services, markets and businesses, as a foundation for business decision and trade promotion programmes. Develop human resources and strengthen ability training and consulting service in international procurement, and logistics and supply chain management. Enterprises, as a result, can save costs and make more profits in trade mechanisms and practices. ITC projects are funded by the UN, the WTO or member states.