The exterior view of the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai), the venue of the 7th China International Import Expo, was photographed on November 4. Photo by Xinhua Agency reporter Wang Xiang

Xinhua Agency, Shanghai, November 12 Title: Guests from many countries talk about the CIIE in their hearts

Xinhua Agency reporters Zhai Xiang and Huang Anqi

At the 7th China International Import Expo, Kazaryan Korren, Armenian Business Representative in China, introduced the red wine, apricots, cherries and other specialties of this Eurasian border country in fluent Chinese.

The 7th CIIE was recently held in Shanghai. The overall exhibition area exceeded 420,000 square meters, with a total of 3496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions participating. New and old friends from all over the world talked about the CIIE in their hearts.

Collen is a "China hand" and completed undergraduate to doctoral studies at Jilin University. Speaking of the CIIE he has participated in twice, Korren feels that this year has a "more sense of accomplishment" because the Armenian companies participating in the exhibition are more interested in and have a deeper understanding of China, and the China people's understanding of Armenia is also increasing.

"We will participate again next year." Collen said they learn a lot of new things every time and take them back.

On November 7, an audience member (first from left) learned about Peruvian coffee at the Peru Pavilion of the National Exhibition of the 7th CIIE. Photo by Xinhua Agency reporter Zhang Cheng

Bernardo Munoz, Commercial Counselor of the Consulate General of Peru in Shanghai, regards the CIIE as the best platform to showcase Peruvian products and understand the needs of the China market. "Through the CIIE, China will showcase the opportunities it provides to the world and also demonstrate that we are partners and friends. We can work together to give our people a better quality of life." Munoz said.

Tetsuro Honma, global vice president of Matsushita Holdings Co., Ltd., said that at this CIIE, we encountered many corporate executives from Tokyo, and the CIIE provided an important opportunity for global entrepreneurs to understand China.

Panasonic booth photographed at the Consumer Goods Exhibition Area of the 7th CIIE on November 5. Photo by Xinhua Agency reporter Wang Xiang

"I came here last year to participate in the 6th CIIE, and American agriculture performed well. So we hope to come back again this year and expand the results further." Jason Hafemeister, Acting Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said that the CIIE provides U.S. agriculture with an excellent opportunity to meet with customers from China, and China is its largest market.

"We are both very serious about improving farmers 'productivity." Hafimeister said that China and the United States share each other's experience in dealing with droughts, floods, high temperatures and pests, and can provide new ideas and technologies to farmers in the two countries.

Since 2018, Maria Leota, who runs a skin care company in Samoa, has participated in the CIIE three times. The products she promotes are favored by China consumers. "This year's work was very successful, and all products were sold out the next day." Leota said that at the 7th CIIE, repeat customers increased and new products will be launched based on the needs of China customers.

During this visit to Shanghai, Leota found that Alipay and WeChat can be associated with overseas credit cards, and can directly swipe overseas credit cards on subways and taxis."I can do everything with my mobile phone now."

Han Popan, Consul General of Indonesia in Shanghai, said he saw exhibitors trying to promote the best products of their countries. "I think this is a good opportunity to promote Indonesian products into the China market." Han Popan said that Indonesia strives to enrich its product varieties every year, and this year it has focused on promoting spices and coffee.

"We were able to showcase products produced in Africa, especially Rwanda." Prudence Sebahizi, Minister of Trade and Industry of Rwanda, said that Rwanda has participated in seven CIIE, this time bringing five products, including peppers, honey and handicrafts.

On November 9, the audience tried to smell perfume at the L'Oréal booth of the 7th CIIE. L'Oréal is a "full-time student" for the seventh CIIE. Published by Xinhua Agency (Photo by Chen Haoming)

An Gong, chairman of L'Oréal Group, told reporters that L'Oréal was one of the first French companies to sign up for the first CIIE. "No other country has established an exhibition like the CIIE. It has truly become a symbol of China's openness to the world. I think it's a great idea, and that's why we promote it as much as possible."

"Every year, we can see the CIIE moving forward for a core concept." Frank Hames, CEO of Swiss air purification technology company IQAir, said,"I think China is aware of the importance of mutual benefit, especially in terms of trade. China is a driving force on the international stage."