SHANGHAI, 06 November 2025 (TATOLI) — The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s first national-level expo focused solely on imports, officially opened on Wednesday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, attracting global attention to Shanghai’s role as a hub for international trade.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of CIIE and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, emphasising the importance of equality, mutual benefit, and safeguarding legitimate shared interests among nations.
Li stressed the need to uphold fairness and justice in international trade, stating that China is committed to working with global partners to implement the Global Governance Initiative and strengthen the WTO-centered multilateral trading system.
The Premier noted that the recently adopted recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) provide greater clarity and stability for the country’s economic and social development over the next five years.
He stressed that China will pursue high-quality development to contribute to global economic growth, while continuing to promote high-standard opening up, expand institutional access, and advance pilot programs to accelerate opening in the service sector.
Boasting the largest exhibition space in its history and a record number of participants, the CIIE 2025 — themed “New Era, Shared Future” — brought together 4,108 exhibitors from 155 countries, regions and international organisations, with total exhibition space exceeding 430,000 square metres.
From 5 to 10 November, the expo featured the debut of 461 new products, technologies and services, highlighting the innovation and diversity of participating global businesses.
Key exhibition areas included Intelligent Industry & Information Technology, where companies showcased advances in automation, artificial intelligence, industrial robotics and next-generation digital solutions designed to modernise global manufacturing.
The Medical Equipment & Healthcare hall focused on high-end diagnostic tools, smart medical platforms, pharmaceutical research and digital health innovations aimed at fostering international collaboration in healthcare.
Consumer Goods exhibitors presented a wide array of lifestyle products, food and beverages, home appliances and fashion brands, reflecting China’s growing demand for high-quality imports and its expanding consumer market.
The 2025 CIIE reaffirmed Shanghai’s position as a global gateway for trade, offering international companies a platform to introduce new products to Chinese markets while exploring new opportunities in one of the world’s largest consumer economies.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de Asiss Belo
