The China International Import Expo has played a significant role in addressing long-standing technological bottlenecks, said Zhao Huilong, deputy general manager of Shanxi Hainuo Technology Co Ltd, a five-time purchaser of the CIIE.

In 2018, Zhao and the company's equipment manager attended the inaugural CIIE to seek solutions for technical challenges encountered in establishing a production line for high-performance hollow glass microspheres, a type of powder material that has high strength and is lightweight. 

A national "little giant" enterprise based in Gaoping, North China's Shanxi province, the company decided to participate in the expo because it brings together leading global industry enterprises, including manufacturers of powder material equipment.

During their search, they found a lead in a German equipment supplier. Although the German technical expert could not provide direct solutions, he shared some relevant information that introduced a fresh perspective to Zhao and his colleague.

After the expo, Zhao and his team continued to engage with domestic and international companies they had connected with. Leveraging the insights gained, Hainuo finally overcame the technological bottleneck.

In 2021, the commencement of Hainuo's project for large-scale mass production allowed the company to take a significant step towards industrialization. Zhao attributed the company's transformation to the CIIE, which he said has provided opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to connect with foreign enterprises and make technological breakthroughs.

Hainuo's participation in the CIIE received substantial support from the Gaoping government. As a county-level city that previously relied heavily on coal resources, Gaoping now sees the CIIE as an opportunity to achieve industrial transformation and sustainable development.

In 2021, a team led by Zhang Nu, vice-mayor of Gaoping, organized a specialized seminar during the fourth CIIE with the support of the CIIE Bureau and China-Europe Association for Technical and Economic Cooperation. The seminar invited representatives from various companies, as well as foreign diplomats and trade officials.

The seminar facilitated discussions on development trends and challenges faced by industries in different countries. These discussions resulted in new initiatives, and injected fresh impetus into Gaoping's development.

"In just four months, we will attend the sixth CIIE," Zhang said. "This year, the number of participants from Gaoping registering for the expo is expected to reach a record high."

By Zhao Guangmei

Wang Li from Jiefang Daily contributed to the story.