Leaders from Georgia, Serbia, Nigeria, and Slovenia are set to join the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai next month, signaling growing international interest in China’s role as a hub for global trade. The event, running from November 5 to 10, will host Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut, Nigerian House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and Slovenia’s National Council President Marko Lotric, among others.
Organized as China’s flagship import-themed trade fair, the CIIE underscores the country’s commitment to fostering open markets and multilateral cooperation. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized the expo’s importance in "strengthening global supply chains and creating opportunities for shared economic growth."
Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has attracted over $420 billion in cumulative intended deals, according to official data. This year’s edition is expected to spotlight sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green technologies, and agricultural products, offering insights for investors and businesses eyeing Asia’s evolving market dynamics.
Analysts note that the participation of European, African, and Asian leaders reflects a broader trend of nations seeking to balance economic diversification with access to China’s vast consumer base. For researchers and diaspora communities, the expo also serves as a barometer of cross-regional collaboration in an era of shifting trade policies.
