Embracing the Asia-Pacific, Connecting the World: The CIIE's Role in Global Growth

Par He Yin, People's Daily

The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opened on Nov. 5 as scheduled in Shanghai. Taking place just ahead of the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, it serves as an important window for global enterprises to share the opportunities of China's vast market and a vivid practice of deepening regional collaboration and making solid efforts toward building an Asia-Pacific community.

At present, the Asia-Pacific region maintains strong momentum for economic growth, further reinforcing its status as a primary engine of global growth.

However, against a backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, regional partners are increasingly eager to stabilize development expectations and secure smooth channels for practical cooperation. The steadily growing participation in the CIIE reflects the shared aspiration of the Asia-Pacific family to work together for common prosperity.

Personally planned, proposed, deployed, and promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the CIIE has evolved into a window for China to build a new development paradigm, a platform to promote high-level opening-up, and an international public good shared by the world.

This year's expo attracts the participation of 162 countries, regions, and international organizations, along with 4,142 overseas enterprise exhibitors. The total exhibition area has exceeded 440,000 square meters for the first time. These figures clearly attest to the CIIE's strong appeal and vitality.

The world can clearly see that China remains steadfast in fostering a new development paradigm and advancing high-level opening-up. Through concrete actions to build an open global economy, China continues to inject strong momentum into the development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world through the new achievements of Chinese modernization.

The active participation by numerous APEC member economies stands out as a highlight of this year's expo. U.S. enterprises rank first in total exhibition area, while businesses from Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and several ASEAN nations continue to participate in the expo with large exhibition areas.

Countries including Thailand and Vietnam have noticeably expanded their presence, and Canada, serving once again as a guest country of honor, brings its largest delegation in history.

Serving as a platform for international procurement, investment promotion, cultural exchange, and open cooperation, the CIIE consistently creates valuable matching opportunities for participating businesses. Tightening economic and trade ties weave a strong web of shared interests, while a continuous stream of signed deals solidifies the foundational interests supporting the Asia-Pacific community.

"The CIIE offers an important practical platform for achieving balanced development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond," said Sourabh Gupta, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Institute for China-America Studies.

Smooth market access provides fertile ground for converting innovations into applications in the region. During this year's CIIE, over 480 cutting-edge technological achievements have made their debuts, and many companies in Asia-Pacific economies have unveiled major innovations.

A peroxide cured waterborne silicone emulsion pressure sensitive adhesive from U.S. materials science giant Dow made its global debut, and a Singaporean enterprise presented a shelter-type metal 3D printer. Canada's Armstrong Fluid Technology showcased Green Cooling Box, a standard modular green cooling plant. These debuts provided a clear testament to the flourishing innovative capacity of the Asia-Pacific region.

As the host of APEC this year, China has established openness, innovation, and cooperation as its priority areas to drive digital, intelligent, and green transformations.

The CIIE translates consensus on trade and investment liberalization and facilitation into business orders, weaving the vision of the digital economy and green, low-carbon cooperation into a collaboration network on the industrial chain.

In doing so, it provides a tangible, practical reference model for implementing the APEC agenda, injecting fresh resilience and momentum into regional cooperation.

APEC is the most influential mechanism for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, long playing a vital role in regional growth and prosperity.

"We should stay true to APEC's founding mission to promote economic growth and improve people's lives, and champion open development where everyone shares opportunities and emerges a winner. We should promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and build an Asia-Pacific community." These key remarks by President Xi chart a clear course for Asia-Pacific cooperation amidst evolving global dynamics.

As a member of the Asia-Pacific family, China has consistently acted as a steadfast participant in and contributor to regional cooperation. From hosting the CIIE for nine consecutive years to preparing to host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting for the third time, China continually provides stability to Asia-Pacific cooperation at this critical crossroads, fostering confidence in shared success through joint action.

Shanghai and Shenzhen, two vibrant cities facing the Pacific Ocean, bear witness to the solid progress of China's reform and opening-up. They also reflect the grand landscape of China and the world moving toward each other in win-win cooperation.

Looking ahead, China will continue to embrace the Asia-Pacific and connect with the world with an inclusive posture, joining hands with all parties to advance APEC cooperation anew from Shenzhen toward the shared vision of an Asia-Pacific community.