The China International Import Expo (CIIE), now in its seventh consecutive year, continues to set new records and open doors for global opportunities. With 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions, including 297 Fortune Global 500 and industry-leading companies, the expo showcases China’s commitment to openness and international cooperation. Remarkably, 186 companies and institutions have participated every year since its inception, underscoring the event’s growing significance on the world stage.
A recent survey conducted by CGTN among 33,858 global respondents reveals that 67 percent believe China is an open and competitive free market. This sentiment is even stronger in regions like Africa (86.6 percent), the Middle East (88.2 percent), South America (77.9 percent), and Southeast Asia (78.6 percent), highlighting the global community’s recognition of China’s economic openness.
Openness is not just a theme but the core concept of the CIIE and a hallmark of Chinese-style modernization. According to Chinese Customs statistics, China’s total import and export value reached new highs in the first three quarters of this year, with each quarter exceeding 10 trillion RMB ($1.40 trillion). For the first time in history, the total surpassed 32 trillion RMB ($4.47 trillion) in just nine months.
The survey further indicates strong global confidence in China’s business environment and economic prospects. A significant 77.5 percent of respondents find China’s business environment attractive to investors, while 73.9 percent support their countries and companies participating in international cooperation projects initiated by China. Additionally, 78.5 percent believe their nations benefit from trade with China, and 84.3 percent see China as crucial to the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
The CIIE has had a profound impact on Global South countries, facilitating their integration into the global market. The expo has introduced products like cashews from Tanzania, peppers from Rwanda, and honey from Zambia to Chinese consumers, fostering mutual growth and cooperation. This year’s event provided over 120 free exhibition booths for 37 least developed countries and expanded the African product section, reflecting China’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development.
Among African respondents in the survey, 89.9 percent appreciated China’s attention and support for Global South countries. Furthermore, 78.2 percent believe China is dedicated to linking its development with that of Africa, and an impressive 92.1 percent support active participation in international cooperation programs initiated by China.
China’s role as a significant opportunity for global development is reinforced by its resilient economy. The survey shows that 92.3 percent of global respondents praise China’s strong economic strength, and 91.9 percent acknowledge its rapid economic development. A majority of 81.3 percent feel that China’s long-term economic fundamentals remain positive, and 89.2 percent highly value China’s contributions to the world economy in recent years.
The survey data is derived from the 2024 Global Favorability Poll on China and the Poll on China-Africa Relations initiated by CGTN. Respondents include individuals from developed countries like the United States, France, and Japan, as well as developing nations such as Egypt, Brazil, and Nigeria.
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Global respondents: CIIE takes "big market" to "big opportunities"
cgtn.com
