Reporter: Nike will be participating in the CIIE for the fourth time this year. Nike also serves as the chair of the sports industry special committee of the China International Import Expo Enterprise Alliance. Can you introduce the work that the committee has undertaken since its establishment?

Angela Dong, global vice-president of Nike and general manager of Nike Greater China: The committee, which was established in September 2020, consists of well-known sports companies, including Nike. In 2022, Nike was elected as the chair of the committee. The committee aims to promote the integrated development of the "Sports+" industry, engage in sports philanthropy, and further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and international sports industries.

Since its inception, the committee has facilitated knowledge sharing, industry collaboration, and international exchanges through various seminars, offline events, as well as published reports. This has provided valuable practical experience and resources for China's sports industry and contributed to the collective progress of the sports industry. It has also advanced sustainable development.

The booth of Nike at the fifth CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Reporter: The committee has brought together a group of high-quality exhibitors in the sports industry. In what ways has the committee demonstrated its role in setting an example?

Dong: We believe that the committee serves as a platform for promoting communication and cooperation within the sports industry. It also acts as a bridge between regulatory authorities and the industry, and facilitates better connections between consumers, businesses, and institutions.

In the future, Nike, along with other member companies, will continue to organize relevant seminars and further enhance interaction and communication among member units through both online and offline activities.

Reporter: How has participating in the CIIE impacted Nike's business development, and what are some of the projects that have materialized?

Dong: Nike has been in the Chinese market for over 40 years since entering China in 1981. Today, China is not only a crucial manufacturing and export base for Nike but also the second-largest market and a leading hub for innovation.

In addition to showcasing innovative products and services, the expo has allowed us to introduce Nike and its brand spirit to more people. Furthermore, our participation in the CIIE has enabled us to better connect with local Chinese consumers and partners, creating new opportunities for cooperation in the domestic market.

Nike had launched significant projects during the past expos. At the fourth CIIE in 2021, Nike announced the launch of its innovation center in Shenzhen with 1.3 billion yuan ($177.64 million) in investment. At the fifth CIIE in 2022, Nike announced an additional $100 million in investments to establish a full-automatic unmanned warehouse within the Nike China logistics center.

Air Force 1 "Nai-ke Cha" is showcased at the fifth CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Reporter: In the current global economic context, what signals do you believe the continuous hosting of the CIIE sends, and what does it bring to China and global development?

Dong: The CIIE shows China's commitment to driving economic development and expanding openness. It also highlights China's leadership in areas such as digital innovation and consumer trends. We believe that the outlook of the Chinese market remains positive and there are many opportunities in the Chinese sports market.

By Zhao Guangmei

Yu Liang from Jiefang Daily contributed to this story.