The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), concluded this week in Shanghai, solidified its position as a cornerstone of international economic cooperation. During the Hongqiao Forum's flagship roundtable, global thought leaders dissected how China's evolving openness strategy could reshape trade dynamics and counter mounting recession risks.
Moderated by journalist Wang Guan, the discussion featured Zhu Min (former IMF deputy managing director) emphasizing: "CIIE's 2025 edition demonstrates China's concrete actions to stabilize supply chains through institutional opening – from streamlined customs to enhanced IP protection." Singapore's veteran diplomat Kishore Mahbubani highlighted the expo's symbolic value: "At a time of rising protectionism, 128 billion USD in intended deals sends a powerful message about shared prosperity."
UN economist Hamid Rashid presented data showing CIIE-linked projects have created 420,000 jobs globally since 2018, while CASS academician Zhang Yuyan outlined how China's digital trade infrastructure could help developing nations leapfrog traditional growth barriers. Panelists unanimously urged accelerated cross-border collaboration in green tech and AI governance.
