Every November, Shanghai rolls out the red carpet for capitalism’s grand parade – the China International Import Expo, or CIIE.
Think of it as Davos meets Costco: 155 countries, 4,108 companies, and a staggering 430,000 square metres of global ambition, all crammed under one roof.
For China, it’s not just another trade fair. It’s a declaration: “We’re open for business, and we’d like you to notice.” And for foreign companies, it’s the biggest shop window they could ask for.
Take New Zealand’s Theland.
Back in 2017, the dairy group could barely get its fresh milk through Chinese customs before it started going off.
The milk’s shelf life was 15 days; customs took eight. A nightmare in logistics.
Then came a Shanghai pilot program that fast-tracked inspection and release. Suddenly, Theland milk was making it from Auckland to Shanghai in 72 hours flat, fresher than your local café flat white.
China is still humming despite tariffs
Despite global trade drama and rising protectionism elsewhere, China’s market is still humming – up 5.2% in GDP this year – with an 800-million-strong middle class on the horizon.
For foreign companies, it’s not just a market anymore; it’s oxygen.
No wonder Siemens, L’Oréal, and Honeywell keep showing up like regulars at their favourite dumpling spot.
The CIIE has become where they debut shiny new products, seal billion-dollar partnerships, and signal to shareholders: yes, we’re still in China, thanks.
Over seven years, the expo has clocked more than US$500 billion in intended deals.
Not bad for a country that used to be known mainly as “the world’s factory.” Now it’s more like “the world’s innovation lab.”
And in a time when many countries are busy building trade walls, China’s building trade shows.
Smart move, because while others shout about decoupling, Beijing’s making sure everyone still wants in.
