The ninth China International Import Expo opened in Shanghai on November 5, drawing 4,142 global business representatives to the "Four-Leaf Clover" venue.
Before the opening ceremony, there was a tea break lasting less than two hours. In the negotiation area, business representatives who had traveled from afar made every minute count, matching needs and searching for opportunities.
Many exhibitors attending this year's CIIE for the first time are actually long-time friends of China.
L'Oreal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus said: "Nine years, just as always, we will bring new brands, cutting-edge technology and brand-new cooperation."
Medtronic Chairman and CEO Geoff Martha said: "We have exhibited for nine consecutive years, so we received the 'Full Attendance Award' from the CIIE — this badge. Over the next few days in Shanghai, I will wear it with great pride."
Many exhibitors are attending the CIIE for the first time this year, but they are actually old friends of China.
Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China President and CEO Su Yanning said: "This is my first time attending the CIIE, but we have been deeply rooted in the Chinese market for more than 30 years."
Pierre Fabre Global CEO Eric Ducournau said: "This is our first appearance at the CIIE. We have been in the Chinese market for about 20 years."
Having already cultivated the Chinese market for many years, why still come to the CIIE to seek opportunities? The answer lies in China's vast market during the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Bridgestone Asia-Pacific Chief Financial Officer Andre Vitalino said: "I think the message delivered at the opening ceremony was very clear — China will continue to expand investment, broaden the market, and accelerate the building of a high-standard market system. At the same time, it also focuses on green transformation, which is fully aligned with our company's strategy."
Cargill Agricultural and Trade Asia-Pacific Group President Ke Peiyu said: "China's clear five-year plan brings stable policy expectations. When the policy direction is clear, the market can steadily follow suit."
When talking about China's vast market, everyone is full of confidence. This confidence comes from the sheer size of the Chinese market, and even more from the upgrading of China's consumer demand.
General Motors Global Senior Vice President John Roth said: "This year we renewed our contract for 20 years."
Karcher Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Bernd Rutzler said: "China's consumer market is becoming increasingly mature. Consumers' focus is no longer limited to the product itself and hardware parameters. People now expect more intelligent products, embrace cutting-edge technological innovation, and increasingly favor goods that can improve quality of life."
Comvita CEO Karl Gradon said: "China is our largest market. We will continue to invest here. It is crucial to us."
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