The fifth China International Import Expo is taking place in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10. Eight countries including Monaco, Nicaragua and Iceland are attending the online country exhibition, an integral part of the expo, for the first time.

European country Monaco showcases its trade, industries, technological innovation, and its people's healthy lifestyles at the exhibition.

Prince of Monaco Albert II delivered a video speech specifically for the country exhibition. During his visit to China in February, the prince said he hopes the nation will continue to maintain a good relationship with China and that the two countries can enhance cooperation on trade, communications, environmental protection, biodiversity preservation, as well as ocean-related sectors.

Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, showcases its investment environment, leading companies, culture, and tourist attractions in the expo's country exhibition online.

China and Nicaragua resumed diplomatic relations on Dec 10, 2021. On that day, Yu Jianhua, then vice-minister of commerce, extended a welcome to Nicaragua to attend the fifth CIIE in a video conference with Laureano Ortega, representative of Nicaraguan government.

China's imports from Nicaragua in the first eight months of this year soared 94.6 percent.

Dubbed "the land of lakes and volcanoes", Nicaragua has a population of about 6.6 million. Its official language is Spanish. Agriculture and livestock farming are pillar industries in the country.

Iceland also debuts at the online country exhibition of the CIIE. The country will showcase its tourist attractions, delicacies, investment environment and healthy lifestyles of its people.

Thorir Ibsen, Iceland's ambassador to China, said in a video address that Iceland and China have been cooperating closely in areas such as trade, tourism, innovation, sustainable development, climate change, and geothermal energy. Icelandic products including fresh seafood, liquor, chocolate, and cosmetics will be displayed during the fifth CIIE, the ambassador added.

Companies from Iceland participated in the previous four editions of the expo and brought a variety of products, including wild sea cucumbers, herring fish oil, and whisky, to Chinese customers. Ossur, a manufacturer of prosthetics and non-invasive equipment for orthopedics based in Iceland, participated in the CIIE twice and attends this year's expo again.

Iceland is the first European country to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with China. The two countries have maintained strong economic and trade relations since they established diplomatic ties in 1971. China has been Iceland's largest trading partner in Asia for 15 consecutive years.

Source: People's Daily