On the evening of November 8, the National Exhibition of the CIIE held a large-scale exchange and interactive event between exhibition organizations for the first time. The picture shows a group photo of representatives from various countries participating in the event. Map provided by CIIE

On the evening of November 8, an exchange and interactive event for national exhibition organizations of the 7th CIIE was held at the National Convention and Exhibition Center (Shanghai). Diplomats from embassies and consulates of many countries in China and representatives of exhibition organizations of various parties to the national exhibition gathered together to talk about friendship and cooperation.

Li Guoqing, deputy director of the CIIE, delivered a speech. Map provided by CIIE

Li Guoqing, deputy director of China International Import Expo Bureau, Deng Bo, deputy director of the Foreign Trade Development Bureau, and Zhang Xingrong, president of the Yangtze River Delta Financial Research Institute of Bank of China Shanghai City Branch, attended the event.

Li Guoqing said in his speech that this is the first time that a national exhibition of the CIIE has held a large-scale exchange and interactive event between exhibition organizations. National exhibitions are an important part of the CIIE. Over the past seven years, a total of 146 countries and 4 international organizations have participated in the exhibition, where different cultures meet and integrate. The national exhibition is like a garden, where all countries enjoy their beauty and share the same beauty. We look forward to continuing to work together with exhibition organizations from various countries to create exciting results and contribute to promoting global economic and trade cooperation and exchanges.

Zhang Xingrong, a strategic partner of the CIIE and the exclusive support unit of the National Pavilion's comprehensive service area, said in his speech that the National Exhibition, as an important part of the CIIE, makes the CIIE more meaningful than the simple economic field. This year, Bank of China has comprehensively upgraded its service area on the basis of last year, hoping to work hand in hand with the CIIE to continue to write a new chapter of openness, cooperation, innovation and win-win CIIE.

Elements of the Moulin Rouge in the French National Pavilion. Photo by Yu Kai

The national comprehensive exhibition is an important part of the exhibition section of the CIIE. A total of 77 countries and international organizations participated in the national exhibition of the 7th CIIE. Seven countries including Benin, Burundi, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, Norway, and Slovakia and UNICEF participated in the exhibition for the first time. France, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan served as guest countries. In order to allow more developing countries to participate in the process of inclusive and open economic globalization, this CIIE provides free exhibition opportunities for 37 least developed countries to participate in national and corporate exhibitions. The food and agricultural products exhibition area has also been further expanded. The area of the African product zone has been expanded, with a total of 26 booths from 12 African least developed countries and regions, and the exhibition area has increased to 225 square meters.

Serving as the guest country's Malaysia Pavilion. Photo by Yu Kai

At the event site, representatives of relevant countries participated in the interactive experience of China's intangible cultural heritage, watched traditional China folk music performances, and visited the China Pavilion collectively to experience China culture in multiple forms, levels and angles, and to have an in-depth understanding of the achievements of China's modernization development. Foreign guests said that the CIIE National Exhibition provides a valuable platform for countries around the world to display their comprehensive national image and enhance their international influence. In the future, they are willing to continue to participate in the CIIE and promote global exchanges, mutual learning, and open cooperation.

The Russian Pavilion has the slogan "Russia welcomes you". Photo by Yu Kai

Kazakhstan Pavilion from countries co-building the "Belt and Road". Photo by Yu Kai