On May 9, a promotional roundtable for the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Santiago, Chile, attracting over 50 participants from local government agencies, business associations, and enterprises.

At the event, Ma Keqiang, the economic and commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Chile, said that China and Chile, though far apart, share a consensus about free trade. He went on to say that, Chile, as a key supplier of a wide range of products to the vast Chinese market, enjoys ample space for growth in bilateral trade and economic cooperation. It is hoped that more Chilean companies can take part in CIIE, considering it as an opportunity for cooperation and development.

Zhang Weimin, assistant president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), said that Chile is the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic relations and to sign a free trade agreement with China. More than 50 Chilean companies have participated in the CIIE since its inception, achieving remarkable results. So far, over two-thirds of the exhibition area have been booked for the eighth CIIE and more Chilean companies are welcome to participate in this year’s expo. 

According to Zhao Zhenyu, general manager of Bank of China Chile Branch, the Bank has been a strategic partner of CIIE. Established in 2018, Bank’s Chile branch has been making dedicated efforts to support China-Chile economic and trade cooperation with high quality financial services.

At the roundtable, Joy Wing Mau Chile Spa signed a memorandum of cooperation with the China International Import Expo Bureau (CIIEB) and shared its experience participating in previous editions of the expo.

The CIIE working team introduced the key highlights and accomplishments of the expo and shared success stories of past Chilean exhibitors.

The roundtable event was hosted by the CIIEB and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with support from the Chinese Embassy in Chile, Bank of China Chile Branch, COSCO Chile S.A., and ProChile.

On May 8, Niu Qingbao, Chinese ambassador to Chile, met with the CIIE working team. According to Niu, China and Chile have long been friends, with China being the largest export market and largest source of imports for Chile. The Chinese Embassy in Chile will actively support Chilean companies in participating in the CIIE and help introduce more premium Chilean products to the Chinese market.

While in Chile, the working team met with ProChile, Fruits from Chile, Wines of Chile and Chamber of Commerce of Santiago. A memorandum of cooperation was signed with Wines of Chile. The team also paid an initial visit to Agrosuper, a leading food company in Chile, to introduce the CIIE and explore future cooperation opportunities.

By Li Hanmeng