Exploring latest innovative trends, achieving sustainable development at CIIE

Shanghai welcomed guests from all over the world for the latest edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) from Nov. 5-10.

The just-concluded 9th CIIE stands as a major platform for people to explore the latest innovative trends and find development opportunities. From global company leaders and small business owners to suppliers, buyers, consumers and influencers, exhibitors and participants can find new perspectives on innovation while enhancing mutual understanding and building cooperation. 

A total of 4,140 overseas companies participated in the expo's Business Exhibition area where they showcased their latest and best products. More than 480 products on display were being presented for the first time in China, Asia or even globally.

By Nov. 8, more than 600 exhibitors and 2,000 buyers from 59 countries and regions had attended the trade and investment matchmaking meeting at the 9th CIIE. The state-owned PetroChina International Company Ltd. signed around $18.8 billion of procurement agreements covering energy, high-end equipment and green and low-carbon development. 

Coinciding with this year's CIIE, the 9th Hongqiao International Economic Forum brought together guests from government, academia and business at its around 30 sub-forums to pool new ideas in areas such as sustainable development, people's well-being and industrial upgrading. 

People visit the Dedicated Showcase for National Brands Worldwide pavilion at the 9th CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 9, 2026. [Photo by Wang Yanfang/China.org.cn]  

As a responsible major country, China champions the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The CIIE acts as a window to show China's openness, inviting people of all countries to share development opportunities through its supersized market and endeavoring to create a better life for all people.

An increasing number of exhibitors from Africa are participating in the CIIE. Building on China's zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, the expo has upgraded its Asia-Africa Products Zone to not only offer more free exhibition space to least developed countries, but also offer subsidies to help them attend and expand their development opportunities.

Lan Zhenzhen, chief corporate affairs and engagement officer of L'Oréal North Asia & China, speaks during an interview at the 9th CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 8, 2026. [Photo by Wang Yanfang/China.org.cn] 

"Investing in China means investing in the future," said Lan Zhenzhen, chief corporate affairs and engagement officer of L'Oréal North Asia & China. She noted that this approach represents the consensus of the French cosmetics giant, adding that the Chinese market is a great place to encourage enterprises to engage in innovation. 

"At a platform like the CIIE which we have attended for nine consecutive years as a regular attendee, every time we participate, we believe we have showcased the best and most innovative products," she said. "However, when we take part in the next edition, we can take the better ones back. I think it is the charm of the CIIE and Chinese market." Nearly half of the company's brands made their debut in the Chinese market through the CIIE.

The Norwegian Seafood Council launches its Target 2035 seafood exports initiative at the 9th CIIE in Shanghai, Nov. 6, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn] 

Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, announced its Target 2035 initiative at the 9th CIIE, aiming to boost Norwegian seafood exports to China to 20 billion yuan ($2.9 billion) by 2035. He explained that the council's confidence comes from its progress of the Target 2025 initiative, which sought to achieve 10 billion yuan in seafood exports to China by 2025.

The Chinese market has risen from the 10th largest market for Norwegian seafood in 2020 to the second largest in 2026. "I believe there's still a lot of space for growth in China with growth of the middle class. It's such a huge market," Chramer said. "We have great expectations for China. We want to grow together with China towards Target 2035 and build a shared future."