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Invest Shanghai
On July 27, the 9th CIIE 100-Day Countdown Reception for Consulates in Shanghai and CIIE Exhibition Organization Partners was held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Wu Zhengping, Executive Director-General of the CIIE Bureau, Fang Xiao, Deputy Director-General of the Shanghai Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and the representative of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the CIIE Comprehensive Cooperation Partner, attended and delivered remarks. Francis Lindsay, Acting Consul General of Canada in Shanghai, and Emily Hemmings, Commercial Consul East China of the British Consulate General in Shanghai, delivered speeches respectively as representatives of the Guest Country Honor for the 9th CIIE and the featured Country for the 2026 "Export to China" initiative. Li Guoqing, Deputy Director-General of the CIIE Bureau, presided over the event. Approximately 120 representatives from consulates in Shanghai, exhibition organizing agencies, and media outlets attended the event.
Wu Zhengping noted that CIIE is a major initiative to advance China’s high-standard opening-up and a proactive step China has taken to share its market to the world. The 9th CIIE, held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10 this year, will strengthen synergies with national initiatives such as “Export to China”, and launch the first-ever dedicated Showcase for Global National Brands.
The 9th CIIE will feature enhanced business matchmaking and elevated services and support for exhibitors and visitors. These efforts are made not only to deliver a more rewarding experience in the 9th CIIE, but also lay a solid groundwork for an even better 10th edition in 2027.
Fang Xiao noted that the CIIE has demonstrated strong capabilities in market transformation and trade facilitation. As the permanent host city of the CIIE, Shanghai serves as a gateway for countries to expand footprint in the Chinese market. Over the years, consulates and exhibition organizing institutions have actively promoted the participation of enterprises from their countries, making important contributions to advancing practical cooperation between Shanghai and countries worldwide. Looking ahead, we look forward to working together to continue serving as the enthusiastic promoter of the CIIE, dedicated supporter for exhibitors, and Shanghai’s best partner.
Francis Lindsay said that Canada is particularly honoured to participate in this year's CIIE as a Guest Country of Honour. This is a special milestone for Canada, as it were also one of the Guest Countries of Honour at the 1st CIIE in 2018. Canada is preparing its largest presence at the 9th CIIE, bringing exhibitors from the sectors of agrifood, consumer products, health products, finance, professional services and more. Canada hopes to see even greater bilateral trade and investment collaboration through the CIIE platform, building on the positive momentum of Canada Prime Minister’s visit to China.
Emily Hemmings said that the UK attaches great importance to the CIIE as a platform for trade and business cooperation. Since participating as the Guest Country of Honor at the 1st CIIE in 2018, the UK has continued to participate in CIIE and has built a strong foundation for cooperation with the Chinese market. The UK is preparing for the 9th CIIE, where it will participate as the 2026 featured Country of the “Export to China” initiative. It will showcase its innovation and technology, rich cultural heritage, and high-quality products and services.
During the event, guests engaged in in-depth exchanges. Representatives from a number of consulates and overseas organizing institutions in Shanghai expressed their commitment to encouraging their governments and member companies to participate in the 9th and 10th CIIEs, seize the opportunities offered by China’s vast market, and further deepen practical cooperation.