A symposium on the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 6, bringing together industry leaders to discuss ways to encourage more Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the expo.

A symposium on the 8th CIIE is held in Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 6. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Zhang Weimin, assistant president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), highlighted Vietnam's strong presence at the CIIE over the years. According to Zhang, the country has participated in multiple editions and served as the guest country of honor in the first and sixth expos. Over the past seven years, nearly 260 Vietnamese companies have exhibited at the CIIE, covering an exhibition area of more than 7,000 square meters.

Zhang emphasized that many high-quality Vietnamese products have gained rapid access to the Chinese market through the expo. He encouraged Vietnamese businesses to leverage CIIE's platform for international collaboration and seize opportunities in China's expanding market.

Ho Ngoc Quan, deputy director of the Export Promotion Center under Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that the CIIE has become a vital gateway for Vietnamese enterprises looking to enter and expand in China. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to actively supporting businesses participating in the 8th CIIE to maximize their exhibition outcomes.

Representatives from the CIIE Bureau and local agencies in Vietnam engage in the event. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

A contract signing ceremony was held during the symposium, where the CIIE Bureau and the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency formalized the agency's participation in this year's expo. The CIIE working group also provided insights into the expo's key highlights and addressed concerns from participating businesses.

Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency signs up to participate in the 8th CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

While in Vietnam, the CIIE working team visited key trade organizations, including the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City. The team also met with representatives from leading Vietnamese companies such as Nutifood and KN Holdings Group to encourage their participation, with both companies expressing strong interest in utilizing the CIIE to expand their presence in the Chinese market.

The CIIE working team visits local agencies in Vietnam. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

In addition, the CIIE working team visited the Chinese embassy in Vietnam and the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City to introduce the exhibitor recruitment efforts for the 8th CIIE.

The CIIE working team visits the Chinese embassy in Vietnam and the Chinese Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

By Zhao Guangmei