CIIE: A vital window into China's continued opening up

A robotic barista makes coffee for visitors in the Service Trade Exhibition Area at the 8th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 8, 2025. (Photo/Tang Ke)

The ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) will be held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Nov. 5 to 10.

As the world's first national-level trade fair focused exclusively on imports, the CIIE has attracted exhibitors and delegates from more than 180 countries and regions across its inaugural eight editions. Overseas exhibitors have made about 27,000 appearances at its business exhibitions, generating cumulative transaction intentions exceeding $580 billion.

Beyond showcasing innovations, the expo has successfully catalyzed the commercialization of exhibited technologies and facilitated the transition of exhibitors into long-term investors. It has thus emerged as a critical gateway for multinational enterprises seeking to establish enduring operations in China.

Held consistently each year and steadily expanding in scale and influence, the CIIE has evolved into a vital platform through which China deepens its engagement with global markets, fosters industrial upgrading, and delivers tangible economic benefits to consumers.

This year, veteran CIIE participants will unveil a series of new products, technologies, and solutions, showcasing their latest innovations.

Europe-based Louis Dreyfus Company, a Fortune 500 agribusiness, will present a range of innovative animal nutrition products, including specialized phospholipids and proteins, developed at its Shanghai-based global research and development center.

The world's first full-size ducted tilt-wing eVTOL, the Inflync L600, draws visitors at the Automobile and Smart Mobility Exhibition Area of the 8th China International Import Expo, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo/Wang Chu)

Japanese consumer goods giant Kao Corp will bring many of its flagship brands to the expo and showcase its efforts to promote more sustainable lifestyles.

Industrial automation pioneer Rockwell Automation will host the worldwide premiere of a next-generation control platform, alongside demonstrations of its latest initiatives driving industrial decarbonization.

"I am eagerly anticipating my visit to Shanghai this November. The CIIE serves as an important platform that brings together global innovations, connects consumers with partners, and transforms breakthrough ideas into scalable growth opportunities," said Stephane de La Faverie, president and CEO of the Estée Lauder Companies.

"Estée Lauder has been deeply committed to China for more than 30 years. China is not only one of our important markets globally, but is also increasingly becoming an important source of talent, insights, and inspiration for the group," he added. This year will mark his first visit to the CIIE, underscoring the group's long-term confidence in its continued growth in China.

This year, 169 established companies and 30 overseas exhibition organizers will mark their ninth consecutive participation in the CIIE. Returning exhibitors comprise roughly half of the total lineup, yet occupy around 80 percent of the total exhibition area. The strong "magnetic pull" of the CIIE reflects China's sustained efforts to advance high-standard opening up and share development opportunities with the rest of the world.

A staff member debugs an industrial humanoid robot at the booth of Hexagon in the Technology and Equipment Exhibition Area of the 8th China International Import Expo, Nov. 4, 2025. (Photo/Weng Qiyu)

For many multinational companies, the CIIE functions not merely as a product launch venue, but as a dynamic interface where global innovation and the Chinese market mutually reinforce one another.

In August, German pharmaceutical giant Boehringer Ingelheim announced an enhancement to its China strategy, notably planning to open a new R&D center in Zhangjiang, Shanghai.

As an eight-time CIIE participant, the company has previously displayed nearly 50 innovative therapies and medical solutions, several of which successfully moved from exhibition stands to commercial distribution

Since 2025, several new medicines developed by the company have won market approval in China. Some secured simultaneous global approval, while others made their world debut in China.

For years, the CIIE has provided free exhibition space to exhibitors from the world's least developed countries. This year's expo will also upgrade its Asia-Africa Products Zone, helping exhibitors from African countries that have diplomatic ties with China seize opportunities created by the zero-tariff policy, and encouraging more countries of the Global South to make full use of the CIIE platform.

In early August, the export authorities of Côte d'Ivoire decided to organize a delegation of small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the ninth CIIE, which will bring signature agricultural products including coffee, dried fruit, cocoa, and cashews.

During the ninth CIIE, the China-ASEAN Business Center will officially launch a cross-border entrepreneurs club, providing Chinese companies with year-round, full-process services to support their expansion into ASEAN markets.

Lego exhibits catch children's eyes at the Consumer Goods Exhibition Area of the 8th China International Import Expo, Nov. 9, 2025. (Photo/Weng Qiyu)

Ge Hong, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau, emphasized that the ninth CIIE will remain firmly aligned with national economic priorities, synergizing with the "Export to China," "Buy in China," and "Invest in China" initiatives to harness high-standard opening-up as a catalyst for high-quality growth.

The expo will further prioritize novelty, sustainability, technological advancement, and product excellence, spotlighting frontier innovations while accelerating the import of premium goods to foster more balanced international trade.

The expo will create more diverse opportunities for business matchmaking, including product selection events for major buyers, a buyers' corridor, and trade and investment matchmaking activities, to facilitate more targeted and effective connections among exhibitors, buyers, and other participants. It will also upgrade a "trade delegation home" to provide one-stop platforms and integrated services.

As the host city, Shanghai is implementing comprehensive support frameworks ahead of the event. Municipal infrastructure -- including public transit routing, port-level customs processing, and smart facility management -- is already optimized for peak demand.

Continuing enhancements include expedited "green channel" procedures for imported exhibits, streamlined customs clearance, bonded exhibition zones, and on-site financial settlement services.

Crowds fill the venue of the 8th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2025. (Photo/Ding Junhao)

A wide range of activities, including supply-and-demand matchmaking events, industry forums, investment talks, and policy briefings, are also being prepared.

Long-term mechanisms for turning exhibits into products and exhibitors into investors are becoming increasingly mature.

Multiple international vessels dock at a terminal at Waigaoqiao Port in Shanghai, Aug. 29, 2026. (Photo/Shen Chunchen)