An online promotional conference for the sixth China International Import Expo was held recently to attract South Korean enterprises. 

Jointly hosted by the CIIE Bureau, the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea, and the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the event was attended by representatives from over 50 South Korean enterprises. 

South Korea has been an active participant in every edition of the CIIE, said Gu Jinsheng, minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in the Republic of Korea, adding that the number of South Korean exhibitors and the exhibition area they occupied were among the highest of all regions during previous expos.

As neighboring countries, China and South Korea share common interests in many aspects. Last year, the bilateral trade between the two nations hit a record $362.3 billion, making South Korea China’s second largest trading partner, Jin noted. 

Ning Feng, president of the NECC (Shanghai), also stressed that South Korea is one of the most important participants of the CIIE. 

He said that during the fifth CIIE, over 100 South Korean enterprises, including Hyundai and Amore Pacific, showcased their products and services at an exhibition area spanning nearly 14,000 square meters. He hoped that KITA will continue to invite and organize enterprises from South Korea to participate in the expo and help them seize opportunities in the Chinese market.

Kim Gi-hyun, vice president of KITA, said that KITA is looking forward to stronger South Korean presence at the sixth CIIE after China’s optimized COVID-19 policy. 

He said the organization will continue to deepen its cooperative ties with the CIIE Bureau and the Chinese embassy in the country to expand the achievements of South Korean exhibitors at this year’s expo.

During the event, staff members of the CIIE also introduced to the attendees the highlights of the food and agricultural products exhibition area, consumer goods exhibition area, and innovation incubation subsection of the sixth expo.

By Zhao Guangmei