The 9th China International Import Expo opened in Shanghai on the 5th, drawing 4,142 global exhibitors to the "four-leaf clover" venue.
Before the opening ceremony, there was a coffee break lasting less than two hours, during which visiting executives wasted no time matching needs and hunting for business opportunities in the negotiation area.
L'Oreal Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Hieronimus said that for nine years without fail, the company would bring new brands, cutting-edge technologies and fresh partnerships.
Medtronic Chairman and CEO Geoff Martha said the company had exhibited for nine consecutive years and had therefore received the CIIE's "full attendance award" — the badge he was holding. He added that he would wear it with great pride during the coming days in Shanghai.
Many exhibitors at this year's expo are attending the CIIE for the first time, yet they are in fact long-time friends of China.
Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China President and CEO Yanning Su said it was his first time participating in the CIIE, but the company had been deeply rooted in the Chinese market for more than 30 years.
Pierre Fabre Global CEO Eric Ducournau said it was the company's first appearance at the CIIE, and that it had been in the Chinese market for about 20 years.
Why seek opportunities at the CIIE after cultivating the Chinese market for so many years? The answer lies in China's vast market during the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Bekaert Asia-Pacific Chief Financial Officer Andre Vytraen said he believed the message from 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. It is also focusing on green transformation, which is fully aligned with his company's strategy.
Cargill Agricultural and Trading Asia-Pacific Group President Peggy Kwok said China's clear five-year plan brings stable policy expectations. When policy direction is clear, the market can steadily follow.
When it comes to China's vast market, everyone is full of confidence. That confidence stems from the size of the Chinese market and, more importantly, from the upgrading of China's consumer demand.
General Motors Global Senior Vice President John Roth said the company renewed a 20-year contract this year.
Karcher Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Bernd Rutzler said China's consumer market is maturing, and consumers are no longer focused only on the product itself and hardware specifications. They increasingly expect smarter products, embrace cutting-edge technological innovation and favor goods that can improve quality of life.
Comvita Chief Executive Officer Karl Gradon said China is the company's largest market and that it will continue to invest there, as it is crucial to the company.
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