The upcoming eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled to take place from November 5 to 10, is set to draw leading multinational companies and innovative enterprises from around the world, reaffirming China’s commitment to open markets and global collaboration.
As the world’s first national-level import-focused exhibition, the CIIE continues to serve as a major gateway for international businesses seeking access to China’s vast consumer market. According to Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping, this year’s event will break previous records with 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, covering an exhibition area of more than 430,000 square meters.
Top industrial, electrical, and medical companies — including all of the world’s top ten industrial electrical firms — will showcase their latest products, technologies, and services, reinforcing CIIE’s reputation as a premier platform for trade innovation.
Enterprises from 123 Belt and Road partner countries have confirmed participation, marking a 23 percent increase year-on-year. The expo will also feature the global debut of 461 new products, technologies, and services, reflecting growing confidence in China’s import market and its role in supporting global supply chains.
For the first time, the CIIE will include a special pavilion dedicated to products from least-developed countries (LDCs), encouraging companies to benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy. This initiative will include exhibitors from 53 African countries, with African participation rising by 80 percent compared to last year. The new platform aims to help developing economies increase exports, promote fair trade, and integrate more deeply into global commerce.
Another major addition this year is the introduction of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Preferred Platform and the Cross-Border E-Commerce Service Area, designed to connect international businesses with China’s rapidly expanding digital economy. These zones will host activities tailored to online retailers, logistics providers, and digital trade innovators, highlighting China’s efforts to modernize global retail and e-commerce infrastructure.
In addition, the 2025 CIIE will feature new thematic sections focusing on the silver economy, sports and tourism economy, ice and snow industries, and the digital and health consumption sectors. These themes underscore China’s ambition to foster new consumer trends, enhance market diversity, and encourage sustainable economic growth through innovation.
Vice Minister Sheng said these developments aim to “expand global trade opportunities, stimulate consumption, and cultivate new engines for growth.” By welcoming thousands of global participants and encouraging cooperation across emerging industries, the CIIE continues to position itself as one of the world’s most influential trade and investment platforms.
