Over 3,200 companies confirm participation in 8th CIIE

Customs officers inspect the first batch of inbound exhibits of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE). (Photo/Shen Chunchen)

In just one month, Shanghai will once again take the global stage as the China International Import Expo (CIIE) returns. Over 3,200 companies from more than 110 countries and regions signed up for the business exhibition, covering an area of 360,000 square meters.

Both long-standing "old friends" and first-time "newcomers" are previewing first launches and debuts, reflecting their firm confidence in the vast Chinese market.

The first inbound exhibits for this year's CIIE were recently cleared at the customs office stationed at the Chinese National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The shipment came from German company Maybach Luxury Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.

After achieving an unexpected commercial breakthrough at the 7th CIIE last year, Maybach has since established its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong and plans to set up a China subsidiary in Shanghai. The company's booth this year has expanded from 36 square meters to 300 square meters, the number of exhibits has doubled, and several themed zones have been added.

"Expanding our presence is not only a strategic upgrade. It also represents our commitment to growing together with the CIIE," said the head of Maybach Luxury.

The CIIE serves not only as a showcase for products but also as a bridge for innovation. Riding the expo's momentum over the past seven years, Medtronic, one of the largest medical device companies in the world, has turned more than 30 flagship exhibits into commercial products.

"Leveraging this open platform, Medtronic has upgraded from exhibitor to investor, witnessing innovations move from 'brought in' to 'going global,'" said Alex Gu, senior vice president and president of Medtronic Greater China.

Moving from product displays to ecosystem building, an increasing number of multinationals are using the CIIE platform to co-innovate with their Chinese counterparts. German healthcare and agribusiness giant Bayer, an eight-time attendee that has participated in every edition, will present 26 highlight exhibits this year across two booths totaling 800 square meters.

The Hugo RAS surgical robot-assisted surgery system developed by Medtronic is on display at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), Nov. 8, 2024. (Photo/Tang Ke)

In May, Bayer launched its third regenerative-agriculture demonstration farm in China, which will make its CIIE debut. Developed with partners across industry, academia, research and end users, the farm charts a new path that integrates biological breeding and regenerative agriculture.

As new products continue to emerge, partnerships are deepening. At the upcoming 8th CIIE, Chiesi Group, an Italy-headquartered biopharmaceutical multinational company with nearly 90 years of history, will present three core business units - respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care - working with partners to accelerate the introduction of innovative products.

"The CIIE is not only an important platform for openness and connectivity but also a fast track for multinationals to deepen cooperation and translate innovation outcomes," said Giuseppe Accogli, CEO of Chiesi Group. "I look forward to co-creating and sharing the future with our Chinese partners."

Shanghai is rolling out a series of innovative measures to make participation in the 8th CIIE more convenient as preparations enter the final sprint. A city leadership group for CIIE services and support headed by the principal leaders of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee and the Shanghai Municipal People's Government coordinates 22 working groups and advances 264 priority tasks.

Meanwhile, Shanghai has introduced a package of follow-up policies to expand the spillover effects of the CIIE, spanning commerce, taxation, public security, and customs. Measures include the "FIRST in Shanghai 3.0" policy, instant departure tax refunds, and streamlined customs procedures to make participation and visits smoother and more efficient.