The Music of Autumn - A Tour of the Second China International Import Expo
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, November 10thTitle: The Music of Autumn - A Tour of the Second China International Import Expo
Xinhua News Agency reporter
Shanghai's late autumn is golden, with sycamores swaying and ginkgo trees dancing...
This is a harvest season - in 6 days, the cumulative intended transactions amounted to US$71.13 billion! The second China International Import Expo, which ended on the 10th, attracted thousands of merchants, and the stories of "coming with excitement and returning with satisfaction" played the most beautiful music of the golden autumn;
This is another season of sowing - this year, the "getting better and better" CIIE trades goods and services, exchanges culture and ideas, and plants the seeds of openness, cooperation and win-win...
"China will open its arms to provide more market opportunities, investment opportunities, and growth opportunities for all countries to achieve common development."
Backed by the Yangtze River and facing the Pacific Ocean, the CIIE is a story of China and a story of the world.
Grand occasion - welcoming guests from all over the world to seek benefits for the world
The wind from the east rises, and the story of the Huangpu River has a long charm.
In the crowded food and agricultural products exhibition area of the CIIE, Liu Jun, president of Cargill China, was busy receiving customers.
"The CIIE is like a catalyst and booster, giving us a bigger platform to showcase our products and image to the world." Liu Jun said that the company's global president flew to Shanghai to spend 50 hours of "CIIE time" and signed contracts worth more than 3 billion US dollars.
"The Chinese market is so big, everyone is welcome to come and have a look."
President Xi Jinping's words at the opening ceremony were sincere and friendly, and they have become an unforgettable memory of the CIIE for many people:
Inside the exhibition hall, buyers and exhibitors were racing against time to negotiate; in the signing room, applause, smiles, and handshakes witnessed the orders received one by one; outside the exhibition hall, the mascot "Jinbao" was surrounded by merchants from various countries who took photos, and the CIIE logo was particularly bright in the sun...
In May 2017, Yanqi Lake, Beijing. President Xi Jinping first proposed to hold the China International Import Expo at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. A year ago, the first CIIE was successfully held in Shanghai, and now it is ushering in the second CIIE, which is "getting better and better".
From Beijing to Shanghai, from Yanqi Lake to Huangpu River, the CIIE, which was personally planned, proposed, deployed, designed, and promoted by President Xi Jinping, demonstrates China's sincerity and responsibility to actively open its market to the world and share opportunities with other countries.
The Huangpu River has witnessed the great changes in Shanghai and is now telling the story of China's opening up in the new era--
100,000, 150,000, 200,000... Walking into the monitoring center in the office building of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center, the monitoring screen on the entire wall clearly shows the lively and grand occasions of each venue, and the constantly jumping numbers on the top reflect the real-time number of visitors. On the 6th, 227,000 people visited the venue, becoming the largest single-day passenger flow since the completion of the exhibition hall.
China sets the stage, and the world sings. This year's CIIE attracted 181 countries, regions, and international organizations to participate, more than 3,800 companies, and more than 500,000 professional buyers from home and abroad to participate in the exhibition. As of noon on the 10th, a total of more than 910,000 people entered the venue.
The giant exhibition area of 360,000 square meters, with the corporate exhibition venues expanding again and again, is still ¡°hard to get a seat¡±, with more than 250 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, as well as high-quality small and medium-sized enterprises such as ¡°hidden champions¡± competing for their appearance;
The world¡¯s thinnest insulin injection needle, the ¡°Gemini¡± gantry milling machine, the sister of ¡°Taurus¡±, surgical robots, photochromic contact lenses, original ecological foods from five continents, and a large number of ¡°specialized, sophisticated and special¡± exhibits are dazzling...
¡°In the past, we only participated in professional exhibitions and never in comprehensive exhibitions, but after last year¡¯s exhibition, our market share in China has increased by 20%. This year, we brought a full chain of products covering optical technology, medicine, and manufacturing.¡± Said Xie Lei, Chief Operating Officer of Carl Zeiss (Shanghai) Management Co., Ltd.
Against the backdrop of Sino-US economic and trade frictions, the number of US exhibitors increased from 174 in the first session to 192, and the exhibition area increased from 30,000 square meters to 47,500 square meters, ranking first among all participating countries. The strong willingness to cooperate is self-evident.
The Huangpu River, connecting rivers and seas, builds consensus and marks a new height of global win-win cooperation--
Turning over the 500-page conference brochure, more than 380 supporting activities such as policy interpretation, new product display, and docking and signing attracted attention; the second Hongqiao International Economic Forum, which was full of agenda, attracted more than 4,000 representatives to attend the meeting and offer suggestions for the revitalization of the world economy.
Peace is the way to avoid confrontation, and free trade and multilateralism are advocated instead of unilateralism and protectionism. It is precisely because of this vision and responsibility that China has firmly held the CIIE, impressed the world, and ignited the enthusiasm for the "Eastern Appointment".
"Using tariff weapons and the law of the jungle cannot solve the problems facing the world today. This is not France's choice, nor is it Europe's choice." French President Macron expressed the consensus of the politicians from various countries attending the meeting.
"History has shown that no matter how far apart we are, as long as we take the first step bravely and insist on moving towards each other, we can embark on a path of meeting, knowing each other, and developing together, and move towards a happy, peaceful, harmonious and beautiful future."
At this moment, President Xi Jinping's words more than two years ago are even more profound. The colorful autumn and the rich fruits are opportunities for China and the world.
Agitation - Opening up as the paddle and innovation as the sail
The capital flow, technology flow, and product flow of various countries' economies flowing into the vast ocean of the Chinese economy will inevitably stir up new waves and breed new opportunities.
Macron warmly invited President Xi Jinping to taste French red wine and beef food at the French National Pavilion; Australian Minister of Trade, Tourism and Investment Birmingham personally fried steak; many foreign executives acted as "salesmen"... They all used practical actions to show their recognition of the large Chinese market.
No one wants to miss such a huge Chinese market--"It is expected that in the next 15 years, China's imports of goods and services will exceed 30 trillion US dollars and 10 trillion US dollars respectively." This set of data announced at the first CIIE has aroused infinite expectations.
Lighthouse--This is the CIIE in the eyes of Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman of the French L'Or¨¦al Group. "Today's China is a veritable "country of opportunities."
Grand Bazaar--This is the CIIE in the eyes of Angel, Consul General of Turkey in Shanghai. He said that Turkish companies brought dried fruits, beverages, daily necessities, home appliances and other products, expressing their desire to deepen their presence in the Chinese market.
Window--This is the CIIE in the eyes of Ajay Sahai, Director General of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations. "Indian companies not only show their products to China, but also show Indian manufacturing to the world."
In the eyes of guests of different skin colors and languages, a consensus is clearer: the CIIE, a grand event initiated by China, is becoming a large platform for global mutual benefit, win-win and shared future.
With openness as the premise, China and foreign countries work together to innovate with unlimited prospects--
The robot uses both hands to sensitively sort and dispose of garbage such as bread, paper cups and plastic bags.
"The CIIE should make people feel like they are opening their minds." Gu Chunyuan, President of Asia, Middle East and Africa of ABB Group of Switzerland, said that this artificial intelligence garbage sorting system uses many cutting-edge technologies such as edge computing and deep learning, and Huawei provides chip modules for this.
Switzerland's industrial accumulation and robotics technology, combined with China's application scenarios and digital technology, have produced a wonderful chemical reaction at the CIIE, which is the charm of the CIIE.
Where the market is, there is innovation. Hand washing powder made of cocoa, smart anti-snoring pillows, foldable screen mobile phones, "telescopes" that can monitor body temperature... a series of new products and technologies have become the vane of future development and innovation.
According to preliminary statistics, 391 new products, new technologies or services were launched globally or in mainland China for the first time, which is higher than the first session.
With cooperation as the engine, China and foreign countries work together to inject confidence into the world economy--
"Today's journey, tomorrow's prosperity"--the eye-catching slogan was displayed on the booth of Mars, Inc. in the United States. In addition to launching new products, Mars also demonstrated digital innovations, such as using facial recognition functions to recommend exclusive products that suit consumers' tastes.
"China is our second largest market in the world and the most critical driving force for the company's future." Grant Reed, President of Mars, said.
With a population of nearly 1.4 billion and the world's largest middle-income group...In line with people's yearning for a better life, at the three-day supply and demand matchmaking meeting, 1,367 exhibitors and 3,258 buyers from 103 countries and regions negotiated "one-on-one" on site, reaching 2,160 transaction intentions, "adding bricks and tiles" to China's consumption upgrade.
Walking through the various venues, "In China, for China", "Made for China", "Innovation of the future, resounding in the county"...Through the slogans of exhibitors, the constantly transforming and upgrading Chinese economy is creating more opportunities for the world.
Integration--Great Harmony and Peace among All Nations
At noon on the 6th, in the open-air exhibition area of the Shanghai National Convention and Exhibition Center, the world's largest Chongqing hot pot with a diameter of 10 meters was boiled. In the hot Chinese-style simmering pot, New Zealand tripe was cooked.
Eating hot pot, paper-cutting performances, button making, guzheng appreciation... One of the major innovations of this CIIE is that you can experience more than 170 "intangible cultural heritage and Chinese time-honored brands" display projects.
The economies and cultures of various countries are like rivers flowing into the sea, and they merge into new stories at the CIIE.
Here, feel the integration of the global industrial chain--
The CIIE is a vivid portrayal of economic globalization.
The American New Ren Automobile put the world premiere of its two latest electric models at this CIIE. The design and R&D teams are concentrated in Los Angeles, the United States, and the parts come from all over the world. China will become its manufacturing and production base;
Italian Ferretti brought the latest model of high-speed patrol boats for the first time in Asia. Behind the star product is the strength of Weichai's overseas brand;
The American company Varian brought the first intelligent radiotherapy platform in Asia Pacific. The hardware is "Made in Beijing" and the software system is "global wisdom". In the future, this machine is expected to go from China to the world.
In today's world, the global value chain and supply chain are developing in depth, and the economic integration of countries is the general trend.
Here, feel the spark of cultural integration--
About tea, the East and the West have different cultures.
In the Myanmar National Pavilion, many people tasted pickles made from tea-"Traditional Burmese Instant Ginger Pickled Tea"; in the Brazilian National Pavilion, the unique yerba mate attracted many people to try it;
The German company Vorwerk brought a new product customized for the Chinese market-the smart tea art machine, which is a German "core" but can highly restore the color, aroma and taste of "Chinese tea";
Colorful because of exchanges, enriched by mutual learning.
At the CIIE, the Central Square often staged such a mix: French piano performances were followed by Yi small sanxian performances; Latvian rock bands were followed by Zhejiang Shaoju; Indian yoga performances were followed by Shanghai competitive dragon dances...
As Jamaican Prime Minister Holness lamented, Jamaica and China are far apart, and although the two countries have different populations, development stages, and cultures, they will not become obstacles to communication.
Here, playing a symphony of cooperation with a shared destiny--
Across the Himalayas, villagers in the Rangpur area of northern Bangladesh received good news:
At the CIIE, the jute handicrafts they woven will enter the "6 days + 365 days" year-round display and trading platform to better realize the "exhibits into commodities".
At the booth, Saf, the head of the exhibitor Dada Company, wrote in Chinese and Bengali on the red cloth overnight: "Like for the enthusiasm and friendship of the Chinese people."
Zambian honey is exported to China, Rwandan peppers enter Chinese e-commerce platforms... At this CIIE, 171 companies from 40 least developed countries came to participate in the exhibition, with an exhibition area of more than 3,500 square meters.
"Building an open and shared world economy" is the essence of the CIIE and a consensus. Just like the theme banner exhibited by Dell Technologies Group of the United States: "Sharing the same skills and living up to the Chinese dream".
Moving forward - the surging rivers are unstoppable
2019 new Iveco cars, 200 kilograms of Italian imported dough... Shanghai Yangshan Port has become a witness for many overseas products to enter the Chinese market through the CIIE.
The port is like a door to the CIIE, connecting China and the world.
At this CIIE, many exhibits were shipped to China via the Port of Piraeus. This largest port in Greece, which was once in business difficulties, has regained its vitality due to the "Belt and Road Initiative".
"When other countries in the world believe that Greece is not worth investing in, Chinese companies are still boldly investing in Greek infrastructure, and the Port of Piraeus is a successful example."
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said when telling the story of the Port of Piraeus at the CIIE: "We and China not only have a glorious history, but will also work together to create a better future."
The port is both the end and the starting point.
This CIIE has come to a successful conclusion, but the CIIE story continues--
After the CIIE trip, Vladimir, head of the Planning Department of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, is still busy, preparing to attend a three-day wine exhibition held in Pudong, Shanghai.
Yiwu, Zhejiang, not far from Shanghai, will hold the Yiwu Import Commodities Expo Autumn Exhibition for half a month from November 13, with more than 450 companies from 40 countries and regions participating in the exhibition...
People have found that this year's CIIE is different from last year's: the national pavilion will be extended for 8 days after the CIIE, and the "high-end" CIIE will be within the reach of ordinary people, allowing the "CIIE effect" to continue to spread.
As early as August this year, the exhibition recruitment work for the third CIIE was launched. At present, more than 230 companies have signed up, including more than 80 Fortune 500 and leading companies.
The successive appearance of various exhibitions is the latest footnote of "Welcome everyone to come and see", and it is also a vote of confidence in the "inevitably brighter" Chinese economy.
Keep moving forward, the story of China's reform and opening up will be more exciting--
"Continue to expand market opening", "Continue to improve the opening-up pattern", "Continue to optimize the business environment", "Continue to deepen multilateral and bilateral cooperation", "Continue to promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative", China's commitments at this CIIE have inspired the world.
During the CIIE, the State Council issued the "Opinions on Further Improving the Use of Foreign Investment", proposing to continue to reduce the negative list of foreign investment access in China and the free trade pilot zones, accelerate the opening-up process of the financial industry, and optimize the foreign investment policy in the automotive field... China has run at an "accelerated" opening-up.
An open mind can accommodate rivers and seas.
In the next five years, Ferrero will double its sales in China; Amway announced that it will invest $200 million in the digital construction of the Chinese market in the next five years; Italy's Delong Group said it will invest in China for a long time and grow together with the Chinese market; multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca will upgrade its Shanghai R&D platform to a global R&D center...As exhibitors deepen their roots in China, the "CIIE effect" continues to expand.
Keep moving forward, the road of win-win cooperation is broader--
On the eve of the opening of the CIIE, the 15 member states of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement have concluded negotiations as a whole; New Zealand and China have officially concluded negotiations on upgrading the Free Trade Agreement...
During the CIIE, China and France signed a number of cooperation documents involving aerospace, nuclear energy and other fields, and a series of practical cooperation between regions and countries has been vigorously promoted...
WTO Director-General Azevedo pointed out that China's commitment to further promote economic globalization will not be limited to holding one or two exhibitions, but will be transformed into a continuous process, "This is a very positive result".
On the 10th, the closing day of the CIIE, President Xi Jinping set off for a state visit to Greece and will go to Brazil to attend the 11th BRICS Leaders' Meeting held in Brasilia.
The wind rises in the east, and the rivers are surging.
Starting again this autumn, the "never-ending" Shanghai International Import Expo will present new splendor... (Reporters Jiang Wei, Han Jie, Wang Min, He Xinrong, Yu Wenjing, Zhou Rui, Chen Weiwei)