CIIE

The fifth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held as scheduled, with all preparatory work steadily progressing, Gong Zheng, the Mayor of Shanghai, said during a press conference on Monday, as the city pushes forward with a rapid recovery from COVID-19.

Gong said that so far, the contracted exhibition area has accounted for more than 85 percent of the planned area. More than 270 of the world's top 500 and industry leading enterprises have signed contracts, and over 50 countries have confirmed online participation.

“We will continue to provide first-class services and environment, maximizing the role of the fair in linking China and the world,” the mayor said, adding that the government will promote more international high-quality exhibits into goods, attract more high-tech enterprises and high-end brands as well as build a network hub that "connects the world."

CIIE is so far the world's first national exhibition focused on imports. Since 2018, the fair has been held successfully on four occasions, fully demonstrating the determination of China to open up its market to the world, and has played an active role in building a new development pattern based on "dual circulation," Gong said.

The enterprise exhibition area of the fair has been expanded from 270,000 square meters in the first edition to 366,000 square meters, and the number of exhibitors has been maintained at around 3,000, becoming the four major platforms for international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchanges and open cooperation, and becoming an international public product shared globally, Gong noted.

Supported by the CIIE, Shanghai has shown the city's image to the world and enhanced its core functions, with expanding spill-over effects.

So far, the city’s cumulative intended turnover has reached over $ 270 billion. Last year, the city's actual foreign investment reached $22.55 billion, and Shanghai retained its status as one of the most popular destinations for foreign investors.

More than 3,000 international and domestic brands made their debut in Shanghai, consolidating the city’s position as the first choice for high-end brands, according to Gong.

Global Times