The second China International Import Expo (CIIE) successfully concluded in Shanghai on Nov 10, surpassing all records set at last year's expo. The CIIE was launched in 2018 and will continue on an annual basis.

Deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services in CIIE 2019 crossed the mark of U.S.$70 billion, a sharp rise as compared with last year. The number of visitors almost reached 1 million, while 181 countries, regions and international organizations participated in this year's expo. Sixty-seven countries and international organizations had their own pavilions, including the WTO,  UNIDO and International Trade Center. More than 3,800 overseas companies exhibited and offered approximately 400 new products, technologies, and services. In addition to the general public, around half a million registered professionals visited the expo.

Simultaneously, around 400 professional activities including seminars, talks, conferences and press briefings were conducted, ranging from policy analyses by various ministries, reports by the WTO and UNIDO, to research papers presented by academicians.

The new benchmark set during CIIE 2019 has provided even higher goals for next year, but CIIE 2020 is expected to maintain or even surpass this benchmark. Preparation for CIIE 2020 has already begun, as more than 200 companies have already signed up for it, including 80 Fortune Global 500 companies.

The import expo is a unique idea launched by China in pursuance of further opening-up and globalization. China enjoys a trade surplus with most of the participating countries, and this expo is meant to provide the world with greater access to the Chinese market. It is expected that many countries may boost their exports to China which may further narrow the trade gap.

A narrower trade gap will, on the one hand, promote globalization, but on the other will also improve Chinese soft power - an embodiment of China’s push for a "win-win" model.

Through the expo, China has created an opportunity to attract the best products, technologies and services to under one roof. Each participating company offered the best of their bests at a very competitive price, also obtaining business with China at best deals.

The expo also sets a new healthy trend for Chinese entrepreneurs to improve their quality and technology to compete in global markets. As a result of the CIIE, new cycle of high-end products, technologies and services may be initiated. Chinese entrepreneurs can set their goals even higher and work harder to meet the international standards.

Overall, Chinese entrepreneurs are matured, experienced and technically sound whereas capital is no issue. I am confident that Chinese entrepreneurs will play a vital role in providing the best products, technologies, and services, not only to the Chinese market, but globally.（Zamir Ahmed Awan）

Zamir Ahmed Awan is a sinologist and non-resident fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not represent the views of China Daily or China Daily website.