In May 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation that China will host the China International Import Expo starting from 2018. The first expo is scheduled for Shanghai from November 5th to 10th, 2018, according to a release from the Embassy of China.

1. Why China International Import Expo?

President Xi Jinping has iterated China’s principled stand on economic globalisation and expressed China’s resolve to support economic globalisation.

In the next five years, China is expected to import goods and services worth more than US$10 trillion. This expo will not only provide new opportunities for countries to explore exporting to China, but will also create a platform for countries to engage in wider international trade and share business opportunities with one another.

2. How?

Unlike most other exhibitions, China International Import Expo will provide an open platform for countries to display their development achievements and to conduct international trade, as well as give an opportunity to discuss major issues concerning international trade and world economy, and improve global economic governance.

The expo will consist of three parts — National Trade Investment Comprehensive Exhibition, Corporate Business Exhibition and the Hongqiao International Trade Forum.

At the Country Pavilion for Trade and Investment, countries will demonstrate their development in trade and investment opportunities in goods, services and tourism.

The Enterprise Business Exhibition will consist of companies showcasing their goods and services to Chinese buyers.

The Hongqiao International Trade Forum will invite leaders and ministers of participating countries, principals of international organisations, large local and multi-nationals to exchange ideas on stimulating the new vitality of global trade and jointly creating a new roadmap to open and beneficial cooperation, with the goal of driving impactful relationships through improving global economic trade and governance.

3. All countries are welcome

China welcomes all countries to take part in the first China International Import Expo. They will offer open doors to participating countries and companies, and provide support for developing countries. Expo organisers will arrange business to business meetings with prospective purchasers.

Chinese authorities want to make the China International Import Expo an engaging expo which will open new channels for international trade and investment and yield tangible results for the participants.