Preparation for the 7th China International Import Expo Nearly Complete

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) is set to take place from November 5-10, 2024, in Shanghai, alongside the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. Hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Shanghai Municipal Government, and organized by the China International Import Expo Bureau and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the event represents a significant move towards high-level opening up by China.

Initiated and strongly supported by President Xi Jinping, the CIIE is a vital part of China’s strategy to create an open world economy and promote globalization. Since its inception in 2018, President Xi has attended each expo, delivering keynote addresses to underscore China’s commitment to global trade integration.

As of now, preparations are nearly complete. Exhibit spaces for national pavilions, corporate showcases, and cultural exchange activities are fully set up, with the primary exhibit structures expected to be finished by October 31. Over 2,700 companies’ exhibits are already in place, and another 700 are en route, with expected arrival by November 2.

This year, the CIIE will introduce several service enhancements. Venue layout has been meticulously organized with 172 function-specific points across 26 categories. Temporary signage has been increased, with 1,523 new signs to improve visibility and utility. Registration has been streamlined with smart technology to simplify verification, and payment options have been expanded to cover both domestic and international cards for greater convenience. The event will also offer new pre-order and booth delivery food services, along with a 5,000-square-meter dining area.

The expo will cover over 420,000 square meters, featuring 152 countries, regions, and international organizations in the national and corporate pavilions. The corporate exhibit area alone spans more than 360,000 square meters and hosts 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions, including 297 Fortune Global 500 and leading industry companies, setting new records for exhibitor diversity and scale. As of October 30, over 70 multinational companies from 15 countries, including the U.S., Germany, Japan, and the U.K., have registered, with Fortune Global 500 firms making up 60% of participants. 

Exhibit setup began on October 25 and will continue until November 4, with structures expected to be completed by November 2.