2025-10-31 China Daily Global Page 6

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Eighth China International Import Expo due to be held from Wednesday in Shanghai

Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation are convening in South Korea on Friday and Saturday for the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Many APEC economies participate in the China International Import Expo, leveraging the annual trade show to tap into China's economic opportunities.

The pavilion of South Korean tech giant Samsung at the seventh CIIE. South Korea is hosting the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting from Friday to Saturday. CHINA DAILY

South Korea, which has participated in the CIIE since its first edition, is sending more than 300 companies to the eighth expo, to be held from Wednesday through Nov 10 in Shanghai. During a September meeting with Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng, Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon said that South Korea-China relations are at a turning point, offering new development opportunities. He noted that South Korean businesses are eager to join the CIIE to enhance communication and cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence.

The Chilean national pavilion at the seventh CIIE. CHINA DAILY

Chile, a regular CIIE participant, will have more than 20 companies at the eighth expo. Ma Keqiang, economic and commercial counselor at the Chinese embassy in Chile, emphasized that despite the geographical distance, free trade and openness are shared values between China and Chile. Chilean products enrich the Chinese market, while China's vast market offers significant growth potential for Chilean businesses. Ma expressed hope that more Chilean companies will seize the opportunities presented by the CIIE.

Zhang Weimin, assistant president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), said Chile was the first country in South America to establish diplomatic relations with China and the first in Latin America to sign a free trade agreement with China. Since the first CIIE, over 50 Chilean companies have participated in the event.

The journey of Chilean cherries to China exemplifies the opportunities of an open China. In 2008, China and Chile signed the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for the export of Chilean cherries and plums to China, officially allowing such products to enter the Chinese market. Since 2015, 97 percent of goods traded between China and Chile, including cherries, have enjoyed zero tariffs.

People visit the national pavilion of Peru at the seventh CIIE. Peru's exhibition area will reach a new high at the eighth CIIE, with the Peruvian Association of Exporters returning after a seven-year hiatus. CHINA DAILY

Peru's exhibition area at the eighth CIIE will reach a new high, with the Peruvian Association of Exporters returning after a seven-year hiatus. The story of Peruvian artisan Oswaldo Mamani illustrates the potential for shared development through international collaboration. His encounter with Chinese tourist Ma Yuxia 10 years ago led to a partnership that transformed his family's fortunes, thanks to CIIE orders.

Alpaca products are a vital source of income for Peruvians living in the Andes, including Mamani. Ma first met Mamani when he was selling alpaca crafts on the street. Captivated by the quality of Mamani's dolls, Ma placed a large order upon returning to China, sparking a collaboration. However, growth stalled until the 2018 CIIE, where the newly established "Warmpaca" brand debuted, attracting significant attention and orders.

Mamani said that previously, they could sell at most 50 or 100 pieces, but now, production never stops. They now deliver goods five times a year, roughly every two months, with each batch consisting of 2,500 to 3,000 pieces, according to Mamani. Warmpaca operates four physical stores in Shanghai and one in Xiamen, Fujian province, attracting customers from provinces such as Zhejiang and Hainan.

Orders from the CIIE enabled Mamani to build a new home, buy new furniture, and purchase an off-road vehicle. The success extends beyond Mamani, benefiting more than 200 Peruvian families.

The national pavilion of Thailand at the seventh CIIE. Thailand will serve as a guest of honor country at the eighth CIIE and will send a record number of companies to the event. CHINA DAILY

This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations. Nearly 400 Thai companies took part in the past seven editions of the CIIE, according to Zhang from the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

The number of participating companies from Thailand will reach a record high at the eighth edition of the trade event, exceeding 100 for the first time. Thailand will also serve as a guest of honor country.

Yang Qing, first secretary of the economic and commercial office at the Chinese embassy in Thailand, said that China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 12 consecutive years. "We look forward to Thai enterprises exploring the Chinese market through the CIIE," Yang said.

New Zealand's exhibition area at the eighth CIIE will increase by 36 percent from 2024. Wu Zhengping, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, said economic cooperation is a key driver of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand, adding that New Zealand companies have used the CIIE to expand exports of seafood and dairy products to China.

Roy van den Hurk, CEO of Milk New Zealand Dairy, is a dedicated CIIE participant, who travels every year from New Zealand to China to attend the event. His enthusiasm began in 2018 when the CIIE helped Theland, a brand of his company, overcome logistical challenges in the Chinese market.

Initially, Theland faced difficulties due to the short shelf life of imported fresh milk and lengthy customs processes. The CIIE brought reforms that reduced the clearance time from eight days to three. This breakthrough showcased the potential of the Chinese market to Hurk, sparking his commitment to the CIIE.

The trade event has been a catalyst for Theland's rapid growth, with its China sales skyrocketing from 3,000 bottles per week to up to 80,000 bottles per week, which is about 26 times the amount before participating in the CIIE. The expo has helped Theland secure a large number of high-quality orders and adapt to market trends, leading to innovations such as its 4.0 protein milk. Today, one in every three ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) milk packs exported from New Zealand to China comes from Theland, according to the company.

Hurk's journey with the CIIE continues to inspire. His exposure to Chinese culture has influenced product development and led to the integration of Eastern concepts into new offerings. As Theland looks to the future, Hurk envisions innovations and upgrades, driven by the opportunities and insights gained from the CIIE.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council has brought enterprises from the special administrative region to multiple editions of the CIIE. Participation has expanded from more than 30 companies in an 800-square-meter area at the first CIIE to 52 companies in a 1,500-sq-m space at the seventh edition.

The booth of Kampery Group from Hong Kong was a highlight, featuring demonstrations of how to make Hong Kong-style milk tea. Howard Wong, general manager of Kampery Development, said, "Our initial estimate was to serve several hundred cups per day, but we ended up brewing close to 1,500."

The CIIE has also presented global opportunities, with Kampery expanding its product line and establishing international partnerships.

CW Business Services, a Hong Kong-based consultancy for global business investments, joined the CIIE at a client's suggestion. The Hong Kong Service Pavilion, where CW Business Services' booth was located, was set up by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to highlight Hong Kong's professional services, help overseas companies enter the Chinese mainland market through the city, and support mainland enterprises in international development.

Tony Wong from CW Business Services noted that the CIIE has strengthened the company's relationships with clients and overseas partners. Businesses from Latin America consulted the company on how to participate in the expo and promote their companies there.

At the seventh CIIE, Australian enterprises embraced digital innovation, with livestreaming transforming cross-border trade. More than 250 Australian companies participated in the event, with nearly 100 attending for the first time.

John Madew, deputy consul general at the Australian Consulate General in Shanghai, noted that the CIIE is a masterclass in understanding China's consumption revolution. The Australian pavilion reported deals worth 377 million Australian dollars ($248 million), with livestreaming collaborations generating real-time sales surges.

Phoenix Beauty and Homart Pharmaceuticals experienced significant boosts in sales through livestreamed demonstrations and interactive activities. Phoenix Beauty Managing Director Lyn Lin saw sales quintuple after livestreamed product trials and supply chain showcases at the seventh CIIE.

Livestreaming has now become ubiquitous at the CIIE, bridging trust gaps and enhancing brand visibility. The online broadcast of the CIIE new product launch event attracted nearly 33 million views.

The national pavilion of Indonesia at the seventh China International Import Expo in 2024 in Shanghai. CHINA DAILY

At the upcoming eighth CIIE, the United States will continue to lead in exhibition area and have the highest number of participating companies. Indonesia, a guest of honor at the first CIIE, will see its exhibition area grow by 15 percent at the eighth edition. Meanwhile, more than 400 companies from Japan will be attending the event, according to the organizer.