Second China International Supply Chain Expo Opens in Beijing

On November 26, 2024, the Second China International Supply Chain Expo (hereinafter referred to as the "Supply Chain Expo") officially opened in Beijing, China. The five-day event, themed “Connecting the World, Shaping the Future”, spans 120,000 square meters of exhibition space. It features six major supply chain categories: advanced manufacturing, smart automobiles, green agriculture, clean energy, digital technology, and healthy living, alongside a dedicated supply chain services area.

As the world's first national-level expo dedicated to supply chains, the Supply Chain Expo aims to help businesses from around the globe better integrate into international industrial and supply chains. The inaugural event attracted 515 exhibitors from 55 countries and regions, including 53 Fortune Global 500 companies and 57 of China's Top 500 enterprises. Over 150,000 people visited the Expo, with more than 80,000 buyers and industry professionals in attendance. Over 200 cooperation and intent agreements were signed, with a total value exceeding RMB 150 billion.

The second Supply Chain Expo has grown significantly, with over 620 enterprises, institutions, and international organizations participating—a 20% increase from the first edition. Chinese exhibitors account for 68% of participants, while the share of international exhibitors has risen from 26% to 32%. Notably, companies from Europe and North America now make up 50% of the international representation.

The Expo's standout feature is its emphasis on showcasing supply chain ecosystems and collaborative scenarios. Instead of fostering a competitive "arm-wrestling" dynamic to win clients, the event encourages exhibitors to work "hand-in-hand" to find partners.

“The timing of this Expo couldn't be better,” remarked Péter Szijjártó, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during the opening ceremony. “The world is facing various challenges: supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and soaring energy prices—all of which threaten national economies. We believe the path forward lies in connectivity, not division.”

Amid the rapid shifts in global industrial and supply chains, innovation is a critical strategy for enhancing resilience. This year's Expo highlights innovation as a driving force, with a new advanced manufacturing area featuring cutting-edge products, technologies, and services from both domestic and international exhibitors.

Yu Jianlong, Vice Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, emphasized during a supply chain services event that building high-quality supply chain systems is essential not only for reducing logistics, production, and operational costs but also for safeguarding economic stability.

China, as the most comprehensive industrial hub under United Nations standards, continues to play a pivotal role in global supply chains. The country's manufacturing sector has ranked first globally for 14 consecutive years, contributing over 30% of the world's total output.

Etienne Sanz de Acedo, CEO of the International Trademark Association, echoed this sentiment, noting that while global challenges abound, an era of unprecedented opportunity is also emerging. Technologies such as green energy, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and smart innovations are advancing rapidly, with China playing a central role. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization's 2023 Global Innovation Index, three of the world's top five technology clusters are located in China.

Chinese enterprises have demonstrated responsibility in building global supply chains. Li Fanrong, Chairman of China National Chemical Corporation, acknowledged the pressing challenges in agriculture, such as climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation, as well as the cyclical and structural pressures facing the chemical industry. He emphasized the importance of global collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

“Looking ahead, we will embrace a practical, action-oriented spirit and leverage our global, market-driven, and tech-savvy advantages to connect the world and shape a shared future,” Li said, pledging contributions to the stability and efficiency of global supply chains.

Dominic Barton, Chairman of global mining giant Rio Tinto, underscored the importance of rebuilding integrated global supply chains. Similarly, John Denton, Secretary-General of the International Chamber of Commerce, highlighted that efforts to "decouple and fragment" supply chains go against global sentiment. Businesses across 170 surveyed countries are calling for greater cross-border cooperation to expand economic opportunities.

“Unity creates strength,” Barton concluded. “This world thrives on diversity, and only through collaboration can we achieve remarkable success. As challenges grow, so too does the need for tighter partnerships. A resilient, interconnected global supply chain will undoubtedly generate greater value and drive shared prosperity.”