Over 1,200 companies from 99 countries and regions have already registered to participate in the ninth China International Import Expo, set to open in less than 100 days. This figure has surpassed last year’s registration pace, according to an official involved in the event.
The contracted exhibition space has now exceeded 340,000 square meters, reaching 95% of the planned target, announced Wu Zhengping, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau, during a press conference held yesterday to mark the 100-day countdown. The expo will combine the “Export to China,” “Shopping in China,” and “Invest in China” themes to broaden trade networks, increase imports, and support balanced trade growth.
Developed economies continue to be the primary source of participants at the expo, with U.S. companies occupying the largest exhibit areas. Meanwhile, French, British, and New Zealand companies have expanded their presence compared to last year. The event will also upgrade the Asian and African product zones to better assist exhibitors from African nations with diplomatic ties to China, allowing them to leverage the “zero tariff” policy for exports.
For the first time, several prominent companies will participate in the expo, including French pharmaceutical giant Pierre Fabre, Singapore’s Perennial Holdings—which established the first fully foreign-owned tertiary hospital in China—Dutch chemical firm AkzoNobel, U.S. fashion giant Ralph Lauren, global steel leader ArcelorMittal, and Belgian chocolatier Godiva. Additionally, 169 companies and 30 foreign exhibition organizers are returning after previous participation.
Apart from the six main exhibition zones—covering technological equipment, medical devices and healthcare, consumer goods, food and agricultural products, automobiles and smart mobility, and service trade—this year’s event will introduce a new global national brand zone. This area will showcase distinguished brands from multiple countries and high-quality products from around the world.
A total of 57 countries and three international organizations have confirmed their attendance, with Moldova, Romania, and the United Nations Development Program participating for the first time. Canada has been invited again as the guest of honor for the second consecutive year.
The expo has cemented its reputation as a launchpad for international companies to debut new products. France’s Sanofi plans to debut a new drug independently developed by its Chinese team, while Boston Scientific will showcase more than 80 innovative minimally invasive intervention products.
L’Oréal, which has participated in every edition, continues to prioritize product launches at the expo, unveiling over 10 new brands and numerous advanced beauty technologies in China in recent years.
An increasing number of foreign companies are moving beyond product showcases, choosing to establish a presence in China—shifting from exhibitors to investors.
The expo also serves as a key platform for China to demonstrate its commitment to high-level opening-up. It provides foreign enterprises with opportunities to engage in China’s development and tap into the growing market, according to Anna An, the country president of German chemical and consumer goods firm Henkel.