Ministry Minutes | China's major trade expos show commitment to opening-up, shared global prosperity: foreign ministry

China hosting a series of major international trade exhibitions demonstrates its commitment to high-standard opening-up and sharing development opportunities with the world, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.

Overseas buyers learn about a vacuum cleaner during the 139th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2026. (File photo: Xinhua)

Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Mao said events such as the upcoming 140th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, and the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled to launch on November 5, serve as important platforms for connecting China with global markets, driving development and improving people's livelihoods.

This year's Canton Fair, which will mark its 70th anniversary, will bring together 32,000 exhibitors, including more than 11,000 high-quality enterprises recognized for specialized expertise and leadership in niche markets, Mao noted.

Meanwhile, the CIIE will continue to provide free exhibition booths for least developed countries and upgrade its Asia-Africa Products Zone, where African countries having diplomatic relations with China in particular can make full use of the “zero tariff” treatment, she added.

People visit the sales area of AI-related products during the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 18, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Mao emphasized that the strong international appeal of these events, alongside recently held exhibitions such as the China International Fair for Trade in Services, the China-ASEAN Expo and the Global Digital Trade Expo, reflects China's sustained efforts to advance high-standard opening-up and create more opportunities for shared global prosperity.

(Compiled by Yang Yang)