#Innovation #International Trade #CIIE 2025

CIIE 2025: A Hub for Global Trade and Innovation

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025 marked a significant occasion for global trade, held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2025. This year's expo transformed into a crossroads for nations, facilitating unprecedented opportunities for businesses and fostering a spirit of innovation and cooperation.

Honored Guests from Around the Globe

This iteration of CIIE saw the participation of six honored guest countries — Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia, Nigeria, Thailand, and Georgia. These nations brought forth a diverse array of products and ideas from across four continents, reinforcing the expo's commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in international trade.

Pioneering Sections to Encourage Participation

One of the standout features of CIIE 2025 was the introduction of novel exhibition sections aimed at promoting innovation and inclusivity. A newly established zone for Asian and African countries highlighted products from nations sharing diplomatic ties with China. This initiative, supported by preferential access and zero-tariff policies, aimed to empower small exporters and help them carve out a niche in China's vast consumption market.

A Vast Platform for Exhibitors

The 2025 CIIE attracted over 4,108 exhibitors representing more than 155 countries and regions, occupying an impressive 430,000 square meters of exhibition space. A total of 67 countries and organizations confirmed their participation, with 17 African nations showcasing distinctive products such as Nigeria's soybean, Benin's pineapple, and Burundi's coffee. These efforts highlighted the rich diversity and high quality of African products on a global stage.

Insights from Global Leaders

In conjunction with the expo, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) convened global thought leaders to delve into the themes of cooperation and shared perspectives on economic openness. During this forum, the World Openness Report 2025 was published alongside the updated World Openness Index, which provides credible analyses regarding global economic openness and China's high-level integration.

Notably, a Nobel Prize-winning economist contributed a special chapter to the report for the first time, adding depth and insight to the discussions. The forum revolved around the theme