A matchmaking event was held in Chongqing for the upcoming 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) on May 22. The event brought together nearly 40 CIIE exhibitors — including Hexagon, Samsung, Mitsubishi Electric, Fonterra, and IKEA — and more than 110 local buyers, such as Chongqing Exhibition, Chongqing Chinabase, and Chongqing Yide Foods, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.

Wu Zhengping, Party secretary and deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, delivers a speech.

Wu Zhengping, Party secretary and deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, said in his speech that based on the success of the seven previous editions since 2018, the upcoming 8th CIIE, scheduled for November 5 to 10, will again feature major sections such as the Comprehensive Country Exhibition, the Enterprise & Business Exhibition, the Hongqiao Economic Forum, Supporting Events, and People-to-people Exchanges. Preparation has seen smooth progress with invitation for the Country Exhibition section actively underway, receiving warm responses. Over 260,000 square meters of the exhibition space have been booked for the Enterprise & Business Exhibition section. The section will continue to prioritize broad international coverage and professional presentation. With the total exhibition area basically the same as previous years, the event structure will be further optimized to allocate more space to innovation and cutting-edge technologies, products, and services. The event is expected to attract more professional buyers and visitors from a broader range of fields, including industry, education, and research institutions. The Hongqiao Economic Forum will continue to make its contribution to open economy and inclusive globalization.

Tang Weidong, deputy director-general of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce (CMCC), expressed the hope that this event gain deeper insights into Chongqing's market demand.Wang Shun, general manager of the International Banking Department of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) confirmed that ICBC will continue to deliver high-quality services for the 8th CIIE. Xie Jing, general manager of Liangjiang New Area Industrial Development Group Co, Ltd, said that the group expected to form long-term ties with relevant parties at the event for shared benefits.

At the event, memorandums of cooperation were signed with key buyers including Chongqing Kuajingbao E-Commerce Service Co Ltd, Chongqing Bottle Planet Liquor Group Co Ltd, Chongqing Lidao New Material Technology Co Ltd, Chongqing Fuling Cross-Border E-Commerce Co Ltd, and Chongqing Yuge Supply Chain Co Ltd.

Speakers also briefed participants on the improved service measures for the 8th CIIE and the highlights of each exhibition section, inviting participation. 

Representatives of various exhibitors held discussions with local authorities in their respective sectors and some paid visits to industrial parks within the city.

The matchmaking event was co-hosted by the CIIE Bureau, the CMCC, ICBC Chongqing Branch, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), and Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Industrial Development Group Co Ltd. Zhang Kui, Level-2 inspector from the CMCC, served as coordinator at the event, with Cao Qian, vice president of ICBC Chongqing Branch, also present.

In addition, at the opening ceremony of the Seventh Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), Wu Zhengping, on behalf of the CIIE Bureau, and Zhang Yongwu, Party secretary and director-general of CMCC, signed a strategic cooperation agreement. 

By Li Hanmeng