The China International Import Expo (CIIE), renowned as the world’s first national-level import-themed exhibition, recently held a promotion seminar at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The seminar served as a platform to foster closer ties between China and African nations, attracting AU commission representatives, African diplomats, Chinese delegation groups, as well as diplomats from the Chinese Mission to the AU. The event highlighted the enormous potential of the CIIE in facilitating trade growth, true multilateralism, and an open world economy.
During the seminar, representatives from the China International Import Expo Bureau provided a comprehensive overview of the CIIE, including its general introduction, exhibition details, and the vast opportunities it offers to both the private and public sectors in Africa. Song Shangzhe, Deputy Director General of the China International Import Expo Bureau, emphasized China’s dedication to global trade recovery and its commitment to fostering win-win cooperation with Africa and the international community through the CIIE.
The CIIE, held annually from November 5th to 10th in Shanghai, has become a significant platform for African countries to access the vast Chinese market. In the fifth edition of the expo, 31 African countries participated, collectively occupying over 2,000 square meters of exhibition space. African products showcased at the CIIE, including coffee, red wine, honey, chili peppers, and avocados, have gained popularity among Chinese consumers. The expo has enabled numerous African exhibitors to secure positive orders from their Chinese counterparts, further boosting bilateral trade.
The CIIE is a multifaceted international event that encompasses exhibitions, diplomatic engagements, economic discussions, and cultural exchanges. African countries have actively demonstrated their openness, innovation, and commitment to win-win cooperation with China and the global community at the CIIE. The expo has facilitated business collaborations, with a particular focus on the food and agricultural sectors. Over the years, 633 companies from 50 African nations have participated in the business exhibition, showcasing their products, technologies, and services, and aiming to promote trade opportunities.
Highlighting China’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Africa, Lin Zhiyong, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Mission to the AU, emphasized China’s initiative to expand imports of non-resource products from Africa. As part of this initiative, China provides zero-tariff treatment for 98 percent of tariff lines of products exported from 33 African least developed countries to China, facilitating the entry of more African agricultural and manufacturing products into the Chinese market. Lin further stressed that China’s organization of the CIIE and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) has significantly contributed to increasing bilateral trade between China and Africa, particularly by promoting African exports to China.
The promotion seminar concluded with optimistic prospects for enhanced cooperation between China and Africa. Lin Zhiyong expressed confidence in the CIIE’s potential to bring welfare and prosperity to both continents and their people. The CIIE has proven to be a valuable platform for African nations to expand their trade networks, explore new markets, and strengthen economic ties with China. Furthermore, the expo serves as a testament to China’s commitment to promoting global trade recovery, fostering true multilateralism, and advancing an open world economy.
As Africa looks to harness its vast economic potential, the CIIE offers a gateway to access the massive Chinese market, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial trade partnerships. With its continued success and growing participation from African countries, the CIIE stands as a testament to the flourishing China-Africa relationship, poised to drive sustainable economic growth and deepen cooperation in the years to come.
