Mutual pursuit between China and the World via high-end fairs and expos-Xinhua

BEIJING, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) –The exhibition industry has been serving as a key driver of China’s economic growth, facilitating domestic enterprises in exploring overseas markets while opening its arms to global players poised to benefit from China’s frog-leaping development.

In 2025, a series of China-initiated, globally participated economic and trade events unfolded in succession, of which the China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair), the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), and the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) are the “cardinal five.” By hosting these high-end expos, China aims to attract more foreign companies to invest and introduce diverse service-based business models.

The sequential success of these events underscores their complementary roles as two pillars of China’s exhibition economy: for instance, the Canton Fair propels “Made in China” globally, while the CIIE introduces worldwide specialties to China, forming a dual-engine strategy that powers the country’s high-standard opening-up, as well as the circulation of domestic and international markets.

– China Import and Export Fair –

The China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) has been staged twice a year — one in the vibrant spring and one in the fruitful autumn — in Guangzhou since 1957. As the country’s longest-running comprehensive international trade event and a barometer of the nation’s foreign trade, it plays a pivotal role in boosting the global reach of “Made in China”. 

– China International Import Expo –

Picture this: a global trade gala where borders blur and opportunities bloom! Launched in 2018, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) is the world’s first-of-its-kind national-level import-focused expo, a shining symbol of China’s opening-up drive that turns its colossal market into a golden shared chance for the whole world.

– China International Consumer Products Expo –

Imagine a sun-kissed trade fiesta nestled amid Hainan’s swaying coconut trees and sea breezes — that’s the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) for you! This vibrant event is China’s first major international exhibition in a calendar year and its only state-level consumer goods expo, serving as a glittering gateway to the nation’s colossal consumer market.

Beyond dazzling displays of global cars, cosmetics and homeware, the expo is also a hotbed of innovation — debuting dedicated zones for artificial intelligence and low-altitude economy, where cutting-edge tech from global leaders takes center stage.

– China International Fair for Trade in Services –

Set against the striking backdrop of Shougang Park in Beijing — a revitalized former ironworks where rusty blast furnaces meet cutting-edge innovation — the 12th China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) 2025 wrapped up in this September with flying colors! 

As a dynamic showcase of China’s booming service industry and its enormous market potential, the fair brought together nearly 2,000 enterprises, including Fortune Global 500 giants and industry leaders. On-site exhibitors represented 26 of the world’s top 30 countries and regions in terms of services trade. It also featured about 5,600 virtual exhibitors.

Global exhibitors and business leaders are buzzing with optimism about China’s services trade growth, hailing the nation’s consistent opening-up policies as a powerful catalyst for global trade and shared prosperity. The fair witnessed the inking of over 900 agreements in sectors such as construction, information technology and finance, highlighting robust global participation and digital trade innovation.

– China International Supply Chain Expo –

As the world’s first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) shines a spotlight on the Chinese market’s enduring allure. Far beyond a mere trade event, the expo has solidified its role as a vital catalyst for building resilient, diversified and collaborative global supply chains, spurring a promising surge in cross-border partnerships that benefit businesses worldwide.

The third CISCE, which concluded this July in Beijing, showed a promising increase in international collaborations. With over 6,000 cooperation agreements and partnership intents reached this year, the expo is steadily transforming the global supply network into a chain of shared benefits for all.

– Expos Foster Stronger Confidence in Shared Global Prosperity –

Global trade uncertainties and growing supply chain disruptions have not prevented foreign investors from remaining optimistic about the Chinese market. China’s market size, rising consumer demand and supportive policies continue to offer unique and strong appeal, helping to retain investor confidence.

These grand gatherings, brimming with remarkable achievements and growing buzz, underscore the innovative vitality in the Chinese economy as well as the country’s decisive commitment to high-standard opening-up. They offer a window to a future of shared global prosperity, and stand as a vivid demonstration of China’s proactive drive to share opportunities, to uphold the multilateral trading system, and to push for an open world economy.

Embarking on its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the country is seen to further “open wider to the outside world” via more of these high-end fairs and expos.■