6th CIIE: A junction of global trade and a boon for BRI countries

Editor’s note: Tahir Farooq is the editor-in-chief of Daily Ittehad Media Group and Pakistan Economic Net. The article reflects the author’s opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) has become a fixture in the global trade calendar since its inception in 2018. Held in Shanghai, this grand event serves as a unique platform for companies worldwide to introduce their products to the Chinese market and engage with Chinese buyers and industry partners.

The 6th CIIE is not just a trade show, but a statement of China’s commitment to openness and to share benefits of global economic cooperation. This year, the expo holds particular significance for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by offering them an unprecedented opportunity to deepen their economic ties with China.

The import-centric approach of the CIIE underlines China’s role as a global consumer market and highlights its willingness to share its economic prosperity with other countries by further opening its consumption market.

This year’s expo is even more crucial as the world seeks to bounce back from the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many businesses, the 6th CIIE is a beacon of hope and a gateway to recovery and growth. It allows participants to showcase their breakthroughs and products to millions of potential customers and partners, facilitating deals and collaborations that can drive their future success.

The BRI, one of China’s most ambitious international strategies, involves the development of trade routes reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road. The initiative benefits over 100 countries in the world that also benefit from participating in the CIIE.

The CIIE this year offers BRI countries a platform to access the vast Chinese market by presenting their goods and services, these countries can tap into the increasing demand from Chinese consumers and businesses, expanding their overseas market.

The expo serves as a meeting ground for policymakers, business leaders and investors. For BRI countries, this is an opportunity to showcase their investment potential to Chinese and international investors attending the expo. This is a chance to network with global partners, creating opportunities for global collaboration.

The expo is also dedicated to cultural exhibits where countries can showcase their unique heritage, arts and crafts. This allows for a vivid display of culture that goes together with the trade of goods and services, providing a more comprehensive presentation of a country’s identity.

BRI countries can use the CIIE as a platform to promote their tourism industry. By highlighting cultural landmarks, traditional festivals and natural wonders, these nations encourage Chinese tourists and international visitors to explore their countries, which in turn fosters a deeper cultural understanding and appreciation.

Performances by artists and musicians from BRI countries are a regular feature at CIIE. These live shows provide attendees with a sensory taste of different cultures, building an emotional connection that complements the commercial interactions of the expo.

Cuisine is also a significant aspect of cultural exchange, and food pavilions at the CIIE offer a palate-pleasing experience of the BRI countries. Visitors can savor authentic dishes, which serve as an introduction to diverse culinary traditions and can be a stepping stone to cultural curiosity and understanding.

In essence, while the primary aim of CIIE is to bolster trade, the expo inherently enhances cultural ties between China and the BRI countries by providing these diverse opportunities for cultural representation and exchange. This cultural dimension enriches the relationships built through the BRI, ensuring that they are sustained by mutual understanding and respect for each nation’s unique cultural identity.

The CIIE often addresses digital economy trends as part of its broader agenda. Digitalization has become a major theme in global economic discourse, and CIIE provides a critical platform for showcasing and discussing advancements in the digital economy.

Amid the hustle of Shanghai, global innovators converge to present cutting-edge technologies, from artificial intelligence to the latest in smart manufacturing, painting a picture of a digitally enabled future.

The digital economy takes center stage with exhibitions that serve as a microcosm of the broader technological landscape. Companies demonstrate advancements that redefine consumer experiences, showcase smart devices and provide solutions that promise to elevate business operations to new heights.

Beyond the display of gadgets and gizmos, CIIE also serves as a melting pot of ideas. Seminars and forums buzz with dialogue from thought leaders and policymakers dissecting the digital economy’s current trends and future opportunities. These exchanges carve out pathways for international collaboration and set the tempo for digital governance.

E-commerce, a juggernaut of the digital domain, enjoys a spotlight at CIIE. Exhibitors reveal innovations that streamline cross-border transactions, emphasizing China’s role as a vast marketplace for international online trade. 

Moreover, financial technology exhibits underline the transformation of payment systems with blockchain and digital currencies demonstrating the evolving nature of global economic interactions.

As the world witnesses the fourth industrial revolution, CIIE’s showcase of Industry 4.0 illustrates how digitalization infiltrates traditional manufacturing, with internet of things and robotics heralding an era of unparalleled efficiency and connectivity.

CIIE goes beyond commerce, becoming a beacon for sustainable digital ecosystem discussions. It is a place where startups ignite their innovative sparks, seeking partnerships that will carry them into tomorrow’s digital epoch.

In short, the CIIE stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between global economic aspirations and the digital economy, marking Shanghai as a lighthouse guiding us through the digital waves of progress.

The CIIE represents more than an economic summit, it also embodies the spirit of international collaboration and cultural exchange. With each passing edition of the expo, the CIIE strengthens the sinews of global trade, weaving the vast tapestry of the digital economy with the rich threads of cultural heritage from BRI countries.

As a nexus of technological innovation and cultural richness, the expo does not just offer a window into the future of commerce but also frames a picture of a world increasingly interconnected, both economically and culturally. 

By embracing the digital revolution and fostering sustainable relationships, the year’s CIIE underscores its critical role in shaping an inclusive global economy and marks a step forward towards a shared prosperous future for all nations within the BRI and beyond.