Editor's Note:

The Fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 as scheduled. Despite the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, global traders plan to gather at the annual event online and offline to showcase their products and services in fields such as healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI) and carbon neutrality, looking to boost their performance in the Chinese market.

The Global Times (GT) interviewed 15 foreign diplomats in Beijing and Shanghai about their engagement and expectations for this year's CIIE. Here is：

Stephen Wong 
Consul General of New Zealand in Shanghai

GT: How does New Zealand plan to engage in the CIIE despite facing challenges from COVID-19?

Stephen Wong: New Zealand has strongly engaged with all previous iterations of the CIIE, and this year will be no exception. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has required China and participating countries to be flexible, creative and adaptable in how we can take full advantage of this year's expo. In this regard, New Zealand is very pleased to host a virtual national pavilion for the CIIE that will build awareness of our innovative industries, premium products, culture and lifestyle. I invite Global Times readers to look out for our virtual contribution. 

New Zealand's engagement with the CIIE is also consistent with our country's focus on ensuring global supply chains remain stable and robust, which is also a key theme of New Zealand's APEC host year.

GT: What are your expectations for the upcoming CIIE?

Stephen Wong: I expect that this year's CIIE will once again provide New Zealand companies with an opportunity to strengthen links with existing Chinese partners, develop meaningful commercial relationships with new partners, and open up opportunities for consumers in China to experience New Zealand's world-class products and services. 

The New Zealand government will once again be supporting pavilions covering the food and beverage and healthcare sectors, both areas in which New Zealand has a positive reputation in China and internationally. Given the current pandemic, many New Zealand-based business people will be unable to travel up to this year's CIIE in person. But I believe their companies' presence at this year's CIIE demonstrates their continued commitment to China. 

I am looking forward to participating in the upcoming CIIE, and associated activities.