The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is being held in Shanghai from November 5th to 10th. The event has attracted participants from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, and features 290 companies from the Fortune Global 500 and leading enterprises in various industries. The exhibition space has reached a record size. As the only state-organized import-focused expo in the world, the CIIE has become a key platform for businesses committed to open cooperation in a time of increasing unilateralism and protectionism.

This year's CIIE is the first major economic and diplomatic event following the 4th plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and it sends a threefold "assurance" to the world:

First, the assurance of openness. According to the latest "World Openness Report 2025," China's openness index has increased by 29.6%, despite global challenges, reaffirming China's commitment to open cooperation.

Second, the assurance of development. Foreign investors agree that China offers a vast market, a stable policy environment, and strong innovation potential. Companies like Medtronic, Nestlé, and Zeiss are using the CIIE to transition from a "coming to China" strategy to a "going from China" strategy. The emergence of new productive forces and the development of technological self-sufficiency are creating new opportunities for foreign companies.

Third, the assurance of mutual benefit. The CIIE actively promotes inclusive and mutually beneficial globalization – for the first time, it has established a special section for products from least developed countries and expanded the African section. 163 companies from these countries are participating, representing a year-on-year increase of 23.5%. This demonstrates China's commitment to supporting the development of the "Global South."

As Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of the L'Oréal Group, stated: "Investing in China means investing in the future." Over the past eight years, the CIIE has become a significant platform where global companies share the opportunities that China offers and jointly plan for future development. It also serves as a living symbol of how China, through a higher level of openness, supports inclusive growth of the global economy.

CMG