China’s ninth International Import Expo (CIIE) has recorded a record US$85.45 billion in one-year intended deals, marking a 2.3 per cent increase compared to the previous edition.
The six-day event, which concluded on Tuesday in Shanghai, brought together 162 countries, regions and international organisations, with exhibitors showcasing products and services across 440,000 square metres.
The business exhibition alone attracted 4,142 exhibitors across 370,000 square metres for the first time. More than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders participated, while 485 products and innovations made their global, Asian or Chinese debuts.
The country pavilion section also expanded, featuring 69 countries and international organisations. Canada and Sri Lanka were designated countries of honour, while the United Kingdom was named the annual “Export to China” theme country.
The accompanying Hongqiao International Economic Forum hosted 23 sub-forums and seven closed-door meetings under the theme, “Stability and Cooperation: Building an Open World Economy Together.” Discussions focused on multilateralism, technological innovation, green globalisation, international trade and BRICS cooperation.
The expo recorded more than 470,000 registered visitors and attracted 51 trade delegations. A further 80 supporting events were organised, covering investment opportunities, policy discussions, business agreements and product launches.
China has pledged to maintain the CIIE as a major platform for international trade and investment under its 15th Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030.
Preparations for the 10th edition are already underway, with 143 companies and institutions having secured approximately 100,000 square metres of exhibition space.