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In 2018, when the first CIIE was held, the Danish company displayed a vivid mosaic made by over 100,000 LEGO bricks featuring Jinbao, the mascot of the CIIE, and introduced science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) courses for Chinese schools. This year, the company is highlighting the potential of play for innovation and its commitment to sustainability.

“Since the first CIIE, we’ve introduced 29 novelties at the expo, among which 19 sets are inspired by Chinese culture and traditions,” said Paul Huang, senior vice president of the LEGO Group and general manager of LEGO China.

The LEGO Group is one of the 186 firms and institutions that have appeared at the CIIE seven years in a row, and many of them have signed up for next year’s event.

The CIIE’s full-time attenders have stood witness to and benefited from the evolution of the expo and the Chinese market at large, and have continued to make adjustments so as to take advantage of emerging trends and markets.

At the first CIIE, global industrial technology giant Schneider Electric signed cooperation agreements primarily in the manufacturing and construction industries, but has since expanded to encompass various sectors, including oil and gas, infrastructure, commercial construction, life sciences, transportation, and water services and environmental protection.

As China develops new quality productive forces, innovative technologies are driving the transformation toward digitization and green low-carbon development, which have provided Schneider Electric with a broader space for development, according to Yin Zheng, Schneider Electric executive vice president managing China and East Asia.

Zhang Xiqiang, executive vice president of Nestle S.A. and CEO of Nestle Zone Greater China, said the company has observed that the Chinese consumer market is gradually entering an era of scientific and rational consumption. “The demand in the Chinese food industry continues to evolve, shifting from simply eating well and eating enough to eating healthily and seeking delight from the experience,” he said.

The Swiss company has brought over 420 exhibits sourced from 14 countries and nine major business units, covering niche markets including baby nutrition, health science, confectionery and pet care.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has led a delegation of nearly 400 representatives from 44 Singaporean businesses, marking the SBF’s seventh year at the CIIE.

SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon said the federation is very encouraged to see that the companies are no longer limited to the food and beverage sector. “We are starting to see companies responding to China’s call for more high-quality investment in fields like biotech,” he said.

To mark its seventh consecutive participation, U.S. material-science giant Dow Inc. has brought the most robust lineup and planned for the most agreements signed at the event in its history at the CIIE.

“As we celebrate our 45 years of operations in China, we are looking forward to China’s continued opening up policies that will enable us to further strengthen our deep roots and grow alongside the Chinese economy,” said Kevin Kolevar, vice president of Dow Inc.

Xinhua

Mohamed Youssef, head of the Egyptian Businessmen’s Association, said the “initiative is unique and has started to achieve solid results over the past six years.”

Data showed that in 2022, the fifth CIIE saw 73.5 billion U.S. dollars worth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services, which, Youssef said, occurred while “the world was recovering from an economic crisis resulting from COVID-19.”

Despite the pandemic and regional and international tensions, China’s success in concluding big business deals during the 2022 CIIE was “such a great achievement,” Youssef said.

He said China, the world’s second-largest economy, plays a vital pivotal role in balancing the world’s economic powers.

Youssef emphasized that through the CIIE and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China aims to establish win-win partnerships with developing countries and assist them in making the best use of their resources to achieve development and growth.

“China enhances its relations with other countries via partnerships based on mutual benefit, and the BRI has opened the door for China to view African countries with this vision,” he added.

The head of Egypt’s business community emphasized that African countries, rich in human and natural resources, can benefit from strong partnerships with economically powerful nations capable and willing to drive development in these societies.

Youssef said that the growing Egyptian-Chinese relations will significantly enhance the trade and investment exchange between Egypt and China.

Egypt can be one of the leading destinations for Chinese investment to manufacture products in great demand in the Chinese market, said Youssef, noting that Egypt is a key partner in the China-proposed BRI.

He said one of the CIIE’s key achievements has been its role in introducing the global business community to the opportunities in the Chinese market.

“The expo opens opportunities for all participating countries to exchange information about the comparative and competitive advantages of their products, and thus contributes to and encourages inter-trade between participating states,” Youssef said.

The Egyptian business leader stressed that the participation of both developing and developed countries in the 7th CIIE indicates their awareness that “the CIIE is a very important window not only for the Chinese market but also for the markets of many countries participating in this expo.

Xinhua

They shared their views at the U.S.-China Agricultural Trade Cooperation Forum, held as part of the ongoing seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), which runs from Nov. 5 to 10.

LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP

For Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the international marketing arm of U.S. Soy, China is a key trading partner and the relationship with China is “critically important.”

“U.S. Soy and many other commodity groups here have long-term collaboration relationships with China,” Sutter said, noting that in the case of U.S. Soy, China has been a partner for 42 years.

“We appreciate China’s leadership in opening up and promoting trade,” he said. “Trade is critically important for all of our agricultural commodities. And we’re happy to have a country like China, recognizing that and talking about the importance of it at a forum like the CIIE which is all about trade.”

The world’s first national-level expo focused on imports, the CIIE has featured a section dedicated to U.S. food and agriculture companies since last year, aiming to help them explore the Chinese market.

This year, the section attracted 14 participants. Impressively, within just the first hour of its operation, the total turnover hit 600 million U.S. dollars, according to data from the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai).

“China is our largest and most important market,” said Allisa Lau, China Director of Cotton Council International, a non-profit trade association that promotes U.S. cotton fiber and products, while speaking of the long-standing China-U.S. ties in the cotton industry.

The Chinese and American cotton industries have maintained very close cooperation over the years, and this is not only because of their interdependence but also their mutually beneficial and supportive relationship, Lau said.

TOWARD SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

At the forum, many speakers shared similar views that despite the changing global landscape, China-U.S. agricultural cooperation remains beneficial for both countries to shift toward a more sustainable development path.

Janna Fritz, Vice-Chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, described the strong China-U.S. relationship in the soybean industry as a “beacon of hope and strength” for global agriculture. The mutually beneficial ties have influenced agricultural practices and lifestyles in both countries, she said.

China’s growing demand for sustainable, high-quality crops has set a high standard for soy purchases in terms of both quality and sustainability, Fritz said. She added that U.S. soy farmers “understand that mission” and will continue to help China meet its ambitious sustainability goals.

Also eyeing the huge cooperation potential, Steve Reinhard, Chair of the United Soybean Board, said that China has entered a stage of high-quality development as it strives to meet the people’s increasing need for high-standard products.

“Our commitment to sustainability could serve as a new productive force for Chinese partners to help with China’s high-quality development,” Reinhard said.

To facilitate this growing partnership, the CIIE has set an example for connecting U.S. agriculture firms with long-term Chinese partners. According to AmCham Shanghai, U.S. companies continued to land orders even after their participation in the expo last year, and the cumulative turnover from these orders has now reached 3 billion dollars.

At the opening ceremony of this year’s expo, Chinese Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed the country’s commitment to “turning its enormous market into global opportunities.” He said in the keynote speech that the country has fully implemented all the opening-up measures announced at the previous six CIIEs, and will continue to expand market access to more sectors.

Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO for the U.S. Grains Council, said that trade in agriculture is a “bright spot” in a complicated relationship between the U.S. and China.

“I think it’s entirely possible that our ideological differences may set a ceiling in our relations, the trade sets a floor in our relations,” LeGrand said, noting that agricultural trade, in particular, helps “set that floor and maintain that foundation.”

“When trade works, the world wins. And I think that certainly applies in the U.S.-China relationship,” he said.

Xinhua

The passenger plane, named “Ethiopia: Land of Origins,” landed Tuesday at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Speaking at the official welcoming ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said with the addition of the A350-1000, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to expand its global reach, connecting more destinations across five continents.

“The A350-1000 is the first of four airplanes we will receive in the coming few months. The addition of A350-1000 aircraft into our fleet represents our desire to continue leading the aviation sector in Africa and effectively compete in the aviation industry worldwide,” Tasew said.

The A350-1000 variant has 395 passenger seats across business and economy classes, making it the largest aircraft in Ethiopian Airlines’ fleet.

“The A350-1000 aircraft is built with state-of-the-art aerodynamics, a carbon-fiber fuselage, and the most fuel-efficient technology, reducing 25 percent carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous generations’ twin-aisle aircraft,” Tasew added.

For his part, Hadi Akoum, representative of Airbus, said the A350-1000 aircraft is the first of its kind to be operated by an Africa-based operator and will enable Ethiopian Airlines to enhance its premium service and reduce operating costs.

“With its state-of-the-art technology, the A350-1000 is better environmentally friendly and offers the largest business class, to reduce operating costs per seat,” Akoum said.

Ethiopian Airlines has become one of the fastest-growing carriers globally since it started operations in 1946.

According to the company, it commands the lion’s share of the African passenger and cargo network operation, with its youngest and most modern fleet to more than 150 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

The passenger plane A350-1000, named “Ethiopia: Land of Origins,” lands at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, Nov. 5, 2024. Ethiopian Airlines has received its first Airbus A350-1000, becoming the first African carrier to operate the largest model in the A350 family. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

Xinhua

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, agricultural exports generated $839.2 million (around Frw1.1 trillion), a slight decrease from the previous year’s $857.2 million (approximately Frw1.2 trillion).

The export volume for this period included 261.6 million kilograms of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, contributing $233.6 million (over Frw317 billion) to the economy.

Across the five years, Rwanda exported 170.8 million kilograms of vegetables, 86.4 million kilograms of fruits, and 4.3 million kilograms of flowers, earning $128.5 million, $79.5 million, and $25.4 million, respectively, from each category.

Air transportation advancements have significantly boosted export capacity. For example, in 2023, RwandAir cargo flights transported 4,595 tons of goods to major markets in Dubai, the UK, and Belgium.

The Rwandan government has prioritized agricultural development as a key component of its National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), targeting a 6% annual growth in the sector.

Efforts focus on increasing market-driven production, expanding irrigated land to 85%, and promoting the use of fertilizers and high-quality seeds to boost output by more than 50%.

These goals are in line with Rwanda’s Fifth Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA5), backed by a $5.4 billion budget (over Frw7 trillion), which seeks to modernize the sector and drive self-sufficiency while turning farming into a business-oriented activity.

NAEB CEO Claude Bizimana underscored this goal during an event where exporters were provided with nine refrigerated trucks worth over Frw829 million to maintain the quality of perishable goods during transport.

At the event, Marie Ange Claudine Ingabire, Managing Director of Tropi Wanda, an agricultural export company, also received a cold truck.

Since 2020, her business has expanded from 8 employees to a team of 321, along with 2,000 contracted farmers. Tropi Wanda now exports 82 tons of vegetables and fruits weekly, including chili peppers, passion fruits, and avocados.

Ingabire highlighted the company’s efforts to 'establish markets, develop cold storage to reduce losses, and utilize cargo planes for timely exports.' She expressed her commitment to boosting production to meet NST2 targets without interruptions.

The Rwandan government has set an ambitious goal to double exports across sectors from $3.5 billion to $7.3 billion over the next five years.

Under PSTA5, agricultural exports alone are projected to grow from $857 million in 2022/2023 to nearly $2 billion, while creating 644,000 jobs in the agriculture value chain, up from the current 400,000.

Avocadoes are among exported horticultural produce.

IGIHE

The business exhibition of the world’s first national-level exposition dedicated to imports has attracted about 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions this year. Notably, a record high of 297 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders are attending the six-day expo. And more than 400 new products, new technologies and new services are unveiled.

Experts believe the large scale of the expo highlighted the global companies’ confidence in the Chinese market and their commitment to further development in China despite the sluggish global economic recovery.

ENORMOUS MARKET

China is willing to open up its enormous market further and will continue to expand market access to sectors including telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and healthcare in an orderly fashion, Premier Li said in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 7th CIIE.

The sound fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain unchanged, according to Li, adding that the country’s new growth drivers are fast-growing, with double-digit investment growth in high-tech industries and development booms in emerging industries including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and the green economy.

During a meeting on Monday with select exhibitors and buyers attending the expo, Li said that China is able to sustain steady economic recovery, improve the quality and capacity of its market, and provide more extensive growth space for global businesses in terms of trade, investment and innovation. He added that the Chinese market is still one of the best choices for companies worldwide.

The keen interest from global participants has shown the growing influence of the CIIE and the charm of the Chinese market and also highlighted China’s determination to push forward the building of an open world economy, said Zhao Fujun, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council.

In 2018, China inaugurated the CIIE to build an open platform for international trade cooperation and to support free trade and economic globalization, making it a “golden gateway” to the world’s second-largest consumer market.

More than 420 billion U.S. dollars worth of tentative deals were signed at the CIIE’s earlier six editions since 2018. Beyond the event, global companies can reach a larger customer base and make further investments in the country.

Toshinobu Umetsu, president and CEO of Shiseido China, said he is very inspired and encouraged by Premier Li’s emphasis on China’s commitment to continuing high-level opening-up and to sharing development opportunities with the rest of the world.

The Japanese cosmetics giant will continue to strengthen its long-term investment in China. It has never wavered in its confidence and determination to invest in China, as the incredible vitality and resilience of the Chinese market make it a very important international market, Umetsu said.

German healthcare and agribusiness giant Bayer AG is among more than 180 companies and institutions that have attended all seven editions of the CIIE since 2018.

Bayer’s participation at the expo demonstrates its unwavering commitment to this important market, said Bill Anderson, chairman of Bayer AG Management Board.

“International cooperation and economic globalization are important factors in the world’s development. That’s why Bayer is glad to be part of the expo for the seventh consecutive year,” said Anderson.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

The CIIE unlocks new opportunities for the world, Bayer said, adding that it will actively leverage this vital platform to continuously unleash its innovative potential while looking forward to forging partnerships with global collaborators.

Penne Kehl, Asia Pacific Group president of Cargill Agriculture and Trading, expects a very busy schedule at the import expo, including meeting with customers and partners and signing a few important deals and partnerships. U.S. food giant Cargill has participated in CIIE for seven consecutive years.

As its influence grows, the expo is attracting new foreign enterprises over the years. Canadian sportswear giant Lululemon is among the first-time participants.

The Chinese mainland is Lululemon’s largest market outside of North America and is also one of the most dynamic and exciting ones, which is key to driving the company’s international business, said Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase the brand, drive awareness to our growth story and what we have planned for the future,” said McDonald. He added that Lululemon will continue to open more stores in the country, adding to its current 137 stores in 41 cities.

China offers free booths and other support measures to 37 least-developed countries to help them showcase their products at the import expo. It also expanded the exhibition area for African agricultural products.

China has been opening up its market to Africa, enabling transformation on the African continent, said Peter Kagwanja, founder and president of the Africa Policy Institute.

A visitor learns about a bronchoscope robot at the exhibition area of Intuitive Fosun during the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)

Xinhua

Addressing her supporters and the nation from her alma mater, Howard University in Washington, D.C., Harris acknowledged that the election outcome was not what Democrats had anticipated, but she urged them to accept the results.

“We must accept the results of this election,” she stated on Wednesday, calling for unity and respect for the democratic process.

The 60-year-old Vice President expressed deep gratitude for the journey and pledged her continued commitment to America’s future, including the values of freedom, opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all people.

“My heart is full today—full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve,” she said, visibly moved. “The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, but hear me when I say: the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

Harris revealed that she had spoken with Trump earlier in the day to congratulate him on his victory and assured him of a smooth transfer of power.

“I told him that we will help him and his team with that transition, and we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” she added.

As Vice President, Harris will play the ceremonial role of President of the Senate during the certification of Trump’s victory on January 6, 2025.

Harris’s public concession marks the end of a tumultuous election season, during which the two rival candidates fiercely sought public support, trading sharp barbs as they pursued their bids for the White House.

Harris had aspired to make history as the first Black woman and first female U.S. president, but that dream dimmed on Wednesday morning as Trump secured key states to surpass the 270 electoral vote threshold needed to win the presidency.

The Republican candidate, who lost to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, won several battleground states, including Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, securing a non-consecutive term in office—a feat last achieved by Grover Cleveland 132 years ago.

As of Thursday morning, Trump had garnered 295 electoral college votes, with Harris trailing at 226. Trump also holds a popular vote lead of more than five million votes.

In his return to power, Trump defied numerous odds, surviving repeated scandals and multiple indictments, including charges related to hush money payments, mishandling classified documents after leaving office, and alleged interference in the 2020 election.

Political pundits believe that Trump’s primary focus on the economy and his promise to contain illegal immigration ultimately resonated with enough Americans, leading to the Democrats’ resounding defeat.

US Vice President Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris delivers her concession speech at Howard University in Washington, DC. on November 6, 2024.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Trump’s victory has already sparked a wave of global recognition as leaders from around the world are stepping forward with congratulations and praise, lauding his resilience and the renewed diplomatic possibilities his win brings.

With excitement and anticipation, international figures have hailed Trump’s political resurgence as a pivotal moment for America and the world, their words reflecting deep respect for his persistence and a shared hope for strengthened alliances.

The first to acknowledge the Republican Party candidate’s victory was Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, who wasted no time in affirming his support.
In a message of confidence, Bukele tweeted, 'Congratulations, President-elect.' His prompt recognition paved the way for an array of international leaders to echo his sentiment, marking this victory as a truly global affair.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali joined in with words that resonated with optimism and partnership.
“Congratulations to President Donald Trump on your election victory and comeback. I look forward to working together to further strengthen the relationship between our two countries during your term.” Abiy said in a statement.

From Burundi, President Evariste Ndayishimiye offered his own congratulatory note: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump on your historic election victory and convey my wishes for success as you lead America forward with purpose and conviction. I look forward to further strengthening the Burundi-USA cooperation.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey responded to the news with a personal touch, referring to Trump as a friend. 'I congratulate my friend Donald Trump,' he said warmly and went on to express his hopes for a strengthened U.S.-Turkey relationship, emphasizing shared global challenges.

'I hope that relations between Turkey and the United States will be strengthened, that regional and global crises and wars, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russian-Ukrainian war, will end, and I believe that more efforts will be made for a more just world.'

Across the continent, French President Emmanuel Macron shared a note of familiarity and ambition.
'Congratulations, President Trump. Ready to work together as we did for four years. With your convictions and mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.'

Macron’s message, nodding to their past cooperation, conveyed a desire to continue addressing global challenges in tandem.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also added his enthusiastic endorsement. 'The biggest comeback in U.S. political history! Congratulations to President Trump on his enormous win. A much-needed victory for the World!'

Meanwhile, from the heart of Africa, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo extended warm congratulations on behalf of his nation. In a message shared on the Congolese presidential Twitter account, Tshisekedi expressed his intent to build upon the already positive relations between the U.S. and the DRC.

'On behalf of the Congolese people and in his own name, President Félix Tshisekedi extends his warmest congratulations to Donald Trump for his great victory in the presidential election of USA.
The Head of State said he was ready to collaborate with the newly elected American President and to deepen the strategic partnership between the RDC and the U.S., which already maintain good friendly and cooperative relations.”

From the East African region, Kenyan President William Ruto said, 'On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, I convey to Your Excellency, my warmest congratulations on your election as the 47th President of the United States of America.'

South Africa’s Cyril Ramafosa said, 'Congratulations to United States President-Elect on your return to the Presidency. I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation.'

Narendra Modi, India’s Prime Minister said, 'Heartiest congratulations my friend Trump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.'

In a show of solidarity and great admiration, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave the longest and most passionate message.
He said, 'Congratulations to Donald Trump on his impressive election victory! I recall our great meeting with President Trump back in September, when we discussed in detail the Ukraine-U.S. strategic partnership, the Victory Plan, and ways to put an end to Russian aggression against Ukraine.'

'I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. I am hopeful that we will put it into action together.'

He added, 'We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership. We rely on continued strong bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States. We are interested in developing mutually beneficial political and economic cooperation that will benefit both of our nations.'

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine, as one of Europe’s strongest military powers, is committed to ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe and the Transatlantic community with the support of allies.

Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2016 to 2020, after which he was succeeded by Democrat Joe Biden in an election that was disputed by the Republican candidate.

While Biden had initially launched a campaign to defend his seat, he dropped out of the race in July to endorse Harris. The 81-year-old withdrew from what would have been a rematch between him and Trump, primarily due to concerns about his age.

Sam K Nkurunziza

In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Kicukiro Primary Court also imposed a fine of Frw 190,000 for the two offences. However, the 21-year-old was acquitted of the charge of fleeing the scene after causing an accident.

The suspended sentence means that Muheto will not serve time immediately, but the sentence could be enforced if she commits the offences again within one year.

The former pageant queen was arraigned in court on October 31, 2024, following her arrest for the traffic offences.

The prosecution had told the court that Miss Muheto had been drinking at a bar named “Atelier du Vin” around midnight before attempting to drive home. Due to her limited driving skills and high level of intoxication, she crashed into an electricity pole and a tree.

She was accused of fleeing the scene after the crash but later returned to retrieve her phones, only to find that the police had already arrived. She then reportedly claimed that she was not the driver of the vehicle.

The prosecution noted that this was not her first offence, pointing out that she had been previously cautioned and apologized for similar behaviour on September 23, 2024. They urged the court to find her guilty on all charges and sentence her to a one-year and eight-month jail term: six months for drink-driving, two months for driving without a permit, and one year for fleeing the scene after causing an accident.

In her plea, Miss Muheto admitted to driving under the influence and causing the accident but denied fleeing the scene.

She pleaded for leniency, requesting the court to spare her from a jail term, citing her remorse.

Miss Muheto stated that she is involved in national projects aimed at combating child stunting and is a student at the African Leadership University, where she needs to continue her studies.

Miss Rwanda 2022 Divine Muheto was charged with traffic offences at Kicukiro Primary Court on October 31, 2024.

IGIHE

Li made the remarks during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai.

Hosting the CIIE is an important measure for China to expand opening up and cooperation, representing China’s solemn commitment to the world, Li said.

If the first CIIE was a one-way invitation from China to the world, then each subsequent edition has become a mutual commitment between China and the world, reflecting the shared aspiration for opening up and cooperation, the premier said.

Li stressed the need to strengthen consensus on opening up, adding that all parties should jointly adhere to international economic and trade orders and rules and earnestly fulfill multilateral and bilateral economic and trade agreements.

China will further expand institutional opening up and actively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules, Li said, pledging efforts to implement the strategy for upgrading pilot free trade zones.

Li said the country is willing to open up its enormous market further, including implementing the unilateral opening up and offering zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines from the least developed countries, and effectively turn the huge market into great global opportunities.

China firmly safeguards the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core and supports developing countries in sharing more benefits of globalization, Li said.

He said China stands ready to continue close coordination and cooperation with all parties in international economic organizations, take the lead in exploring the implementation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement, and join efforts to build an open world economy.

“The fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain sound, and the Chinese government is capable of promoting steady economic growth and contributing more to global development and the welfare of humanity,” said the premier.

In their speeches at the ceremony, foreign leaders and heads of international organizations remarked that the CIIE has become an important international platform for promoting trade and investment and boosting opening up and cooperation.

They voiced their confidence in the Chinese economy and its prospect, and expressed willingness to advance cooperation with China in jointly building the Belt and Road as well as in areas such as economy, trade, connectivity and green development, maintain free trade, and promote equality, progress and sustainable development in the world.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has pledged to further expand opening up and turn China’s vast market into great opportunities for the world.

Xinhua