The China International Import Expo, the first import-themed national-level exhibition in the world, has provided an open platform for trade, investment, and regional cooperation between China and the United States over the past six years.

Since it was first held in 2018, an increasing number of US companies have participated in the CIIE, expanding into various exhibition areas and debuting their innovative products.

At the inaugural CIIE, nearly 180 US companies attended, covering industries such as high-end manufacturing, smart equipment, agriculture, and culture. At the second CIIE in 2019, the US boasted the largest exhibition area with 191 participating companies. In the following editions, the exhibition area occupied by US companies consistently held the top spot.

Last year, over 230 US companies participated in the sixth CIIE, forming the largest and highest-level US delegation in the expo's history. Major companies like Ford, Tesla, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson were among the participants.

Also at the sixth CIIE, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai and the US Department of Agriculture jointly established an over-200-square-meter American Food and Agriculture pavilion, where 17 exhibitors showcased various agricultural products.

Highlighting agriculture as a bright spot in US-China relations, Lashonda McLeod Harper, director of the agricultural trade office at the US Consulate General in Shanghai, praised the pavilion for providing opportunities for US small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in large-scale exhibitions like the CIIE.

Jim Sutter, chief executive officer of the US Soybean Export Council, emphasized that the CIIE provides valuable opportunities for exchanges between US agricultural representatives and Chinese customers, as well as representatives from other countries.

Cargill, a US-based global food corporation, has participated in every CIIE over the past six years. Robert Aspell, president of Cargill Asia Pacific, said China's vast consumer base makes it a key market in the global agricultural supply chain.

The US state of Georgia sent official delegates to the expo in 2023 for the first time. A manager from the Georgia Department of Economic Development said that they had positive discussions with approximately 60 Chinese companies within three and a half days.

As the CIIE continues to facilitate such exchanges and collaborations, it remains a vital platform for fostering stronger economic ties and mutual understanding between China and the US.

Sources: People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency, CCTV financial channel, China Youth Daily, Global Times, The Paper, chinanews.com, workercn.cn, bjd.com.cn, Yicai, yidaiyilu.gov.cn,

By Zhao Guangmei

Wang Huirong from The Paper contributed to the story.