The China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to supply chains, will hold its third edition in Beijing from July 16-20. Organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and hosted by the China International Exhibition Center Group Corporation, the expo has garnered significant interest domestically and internationally since its 2023 launch.

Despite heightened geopolitical rifts and protectionism, the expo is increasingly becoming an international public resource. At the first two editions of the CISCE, more than 400 trade deals and tentative agreements worth over $42 billion were signed. The expo provided a platform for scores of exhibitors from various countries to exchange ideas, share resources and strengthen cooperation along global industrial and supply chains.

The third edition will double down on this mission and convene at the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Venue) under the theme "Connecting the World for a Shared Future."

For the first time, the expo will be held in the summer, allowing visitors to avoid Beijing's freezing winter temperatures. This year's event covers an exhibition area of over 120,000 square meters and six major industrial sectors: green agriculture, clean energy, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, health and wellness, and smart vehicles. 

According to the CCPIT, more than 300 domestic and foreign companies had signed up for the expo as of February. The strong interest reflects proven results, as a CCPIT survey from the first CISCE showed almost 90% of the exhibitors agreed that the expo efficiently promoted cooperation among business partners across shared supply chains.

Amid escalating economic headwinds, including anti-globalization, protectionism and unilateralism, China embraces international cooperation and economic globalization.

Through various platforms, including the CISCE, which aims to promote more secure, stable, open and inclusive global industrial and supply chains, China demonstrates its commitment to opening up and economic integration. In 2024 alone, China hosted 3,844 economic and trade events.

According to a CCPIT report, China's total exhibition space expanded by 10.1% year on year in 2024, reaching 155 million square meters. This growth enabled Chinese enterprises to reach out globally, contributing to foreign trade.

China's foreign trade reached a record high in 2024, with exports rising 7.1% to 25.45 trillion yuan ($3.5 trillion) and imports growing 2.3% to 18.39 trillion yuan from the previous year.

For China, the CISCE and the entire exhibition industry are essential for promoting high-standard opening up, advancing Chinese modernization comprehensively and driving high-quality economic development.

At the third CISCE, Chinese enterprises and their foreign counterparts will amplify international cooperation. The global gathering in Beijing presents an opportunity for the expo to reinforce its role as a catalyst for international supply chain integration and a mutual growth driver for China and the rest of the world.

Given the world economy's heavy reliance on supply chains to facilitate the circulation of goods and services, support productivity and innovation, and improve income and living standards worldwide, it is increasingly critical to leverage platforms like the CISCE to collectively develop more resilient and inclusive global supply chains.

For China, further opening up and deeply integrating into the world economy via supply chains has not only helped advance high-quality development and Chinese modernization but unlocked opportunities to contribute to global growth. From 2013 to 2023, China's average contribution to global economic growth exceeded 30%, making it the primary engine of global growth.

Last year, China ranked among the world's fastest-growing economies, contributing about 30% to global economic growth. Over the last few decades, through supply chains identified as conduits for growth and development, countries and regions worldwide, particularly the Global South and trade-oriented nations, have benefited from China's contribution to economic globalization.

From trade and investment to technology transfer and the implementation of several initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, China's continuous opening up and enhanced integration into the world economy has been indispensable to global growth and development.

The recent U.S.-initiated trade war has disrupted supply chains, threatening universally beneficial and inclusive trade. The World Trade Organization has warned that U.S. President Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs could reverse global economic gains made in 2024.

The latest WTO Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report released in April also cautioned that U.S. tariffs and the resulting policy uncertainty could cause global goods trade to fall by 1.5% and harm export-dependent developing nations. Under current conditions, the volume of world merchandise trade could decline by 0.2% in 2025. This outcome could stunt global economic prospects and fuel economic fragmentation, ultimately serving the interests of a few countries at the expense of the entire world.

However, China, the world's largest trade-oriented country, is focused on tackling these formidable challenges by engaging in collective effort and promoting free trade through various platforms, including the CISCE. This approach, emphasizing mutual benefits between China and global partners, is increasingly vital for promoting inclusive economic globalization.

As China stays committed to its role as the top contributor to global growth, the CISCE, with its mission to develop more resilient supply chains, is poised to help integrate the country's vast market into the world economy.

Bloomberg calculations based on IMF forecasts show China will drive about 21% of global growth from 2024 to 2029, exceeding the combined 20% from G7 nations and nearly doubling the United States' 12% contribution.

With China poised to remain the world's primary growth engine, platforms like the CISCE have become even more important. These expos serve as premier gateways for international firms to access the Chinese market while promoting stronger supply chain partnerships. By bringing global players together, China aims to support the worldwide economic recovery and promote shared prosperity across borders.

Alexander Ayertey Odonkor is a global economist with a keen interest in the social, environmental and economic landscapes of developed countries, emerging markets, and developing economies, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and North America.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.

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