Premier Li Praises Growing Popularity of CIIE

Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China's commitment to "sharing benefits with the world" underpins grand trade events like the China International Import Expo and helps them grow year after year.

"The world economy functions akin to an ocean, with waters interconnecting all countries. Events like the CIIE serve as gateways toward this ocean," Li said today at the opening ceremony of the 8th CIIE.

"This year, CIIE has created new records in many aspects, including the scale and the number of exhibitors, indicating its increasing popularity."

While China is showing willingness to further open its market, however, unilateralism and protectionism remain and are disrupting the order of the world economy, Li said in his keynote speech.

Li called on all countries to adhere to the principle of pursuing equality and safeguard mutual benefits, stick to international justice, and promote global governance reform for a fair international economic and trade working mechanism.

"China is willing to be part of this, as there is certainty in China's development and there is certainty in China's attitude toward opening-up," Li said.

Foreign guests, including top leaders from Georgia, Serbia, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates and the United Nations, delivered speeches.

Rebeca Grynspan, secretary-general of the UN Conference on Trade and Development, asserted that China has demonstrated that opening up entails unlocking the market and transforming mindsets to embrace mutual benefits.

Ian Shih, president of Rockwell Automation (China) Co Ltd, said Li's messages are inspiring.

"China has long been an important part of our global business strategy. The country's continued efforts to promote high-level opening-up and its business environment will further unleash innovation, create broader opportunities for multinational enterprises operating in China, and contribute to the prosperity of the world," Shih said.

This year, a total of 4,108 exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organizations are participating in national and corporate exhibitions that span 430,000 square meters. Additionally, 449,500 professional visitors have registered for the event, surpassing attendance from previous expos.

As a pioneer in innovation, the event will launch over 460 new products, technologies, and services, including those related to the low-altitude economy and humanoid robots. Companies in next-generation IT, AI, and green tech will showcase their latest innovations.

Collaboration will be encouraged across borders and development levels. Thailand, the UAE, Nigeria, Georgia, Sweden and Colombia are the Countries of Honor to promote exchanges.

The expo will also feature 163 least-developed countries and 123 Belt and Road countries, representing a 23 percent increase from the previous event. The number of companies from Africa jumped 80 percent thanks to a zero-tariff policy.