On March 10, the 9th China International Import Expo and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum Consultation Meeting were held as scheduled at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland—a symbol of multilateralism and international cooperation. The event brought together key players in global trade governance, including heads and representatives from international organizations such as the International Trade Centre, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the World Trade Organization, as well as officials from the permanent missions of Nicaragua, Cape Verde, Kazakhstan, and other countries to Geneva, along with long-term partners like the Swiss Centre. Over 30 delegates gathered for the occasion.
The sounds emanating from the venue were truly impressive. Teng Bo, Deputy Executive Director of the International Trade Center, emphasized in his speech that over the past eight years, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has evolved into a unique bridge. It brings together enterprises, buyers, and consumers from around the globe, fostering mutual communication, learning, and lasting partnerships. These words encapsulate the core value of the CIIE—it is not merely an exhibition platform, but a vibrant ecosystem for global commercial civilization exchange.
The evaluation by Dr. Ramola, Director of the Department of International Trade and Commodities at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), was more strategic in perspective. He stated that China plays a pivotal role in supporting the multilateral trading system, advancing South-South cooperation, and helping to bridge development gaps across multiple sectors. By leveraging the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao Forum as platforms to accelerate development through the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, China is not only responding to the times but also gaining widespread acclaim. Notably, this symposium marks the second time the CIIE and Hongqiao Forum consultative platform has been held at the United Nations Palace since the June 2025 seminar themed “Supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—CIIE in Action.” This ongoing dialogue itself sends a clear signal: the international community’s recognition of the CIIE as a public good is deepening. All participants unanimously expressed their expectation to further strengthen cooperation through this platform and jointly inject positive energy into global development.
The Geneva symposium coincides with the critical juncture of the opening year of China’s “15th Five-Year Plan”, and the open signals it conveys are particularly noteworthy. Against the backdrop of rising global trade protectionism, China is opening its market to the world with a more composed and confident attitude.
China’s sincerity in opening up to the world is not only reflected in slogans but also embodied in a series of tangible data. Over the past year, despite the complex and challenging external environment, China’s imports and exports with over 190 countries and regions still achieved growth. The number of newly established foreign-invested enterprises increased by 19.1% year-on-year, and the export value of high-tech products grew by 13.2%. Even more impressive is the 17.1% increase in inbound tourist visits, with “China Travel” becoming a high-frequency buzzword on global social media. The continuous expansion of visa-free policies has allowed more international friends to experience a real and multi-dimensional China firsthand.
For developing countries, the China International Import Expo carries special significance. As an official from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stated, China has provided tangible support for South-South cooperation through this platform. From Kenya’s “Silicon Valley of Africa” initiative to Nicaragua incorporating the teaching standards of the Luban Workshop into its national vocational education system, and from the China-Laos Railway cultivating a large number of localized talents for Laos, the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road is transforming the concept of openness into tangible development outcomes. According to the latest KPMG survey report, 94% of multinational companies will continue to invest and bet on the Chinese market. This data itself is the most powerful response to the “decoupling and disconnection” rhetoric. For the international business community, China remains a fertile ground full of opportunities, worthy of long-term cultivation.
At a time when international economic and trade rules face severe challenges, the institutional advantages and policy continuity demonstrated by China are providing the world with valuable stability. The source of this stability lies precisely in China’s commitment to incorporating openness into a long-term track of legalization, standardization, and institutionalization, rather than relying on temporary expedients. China is steadily advancing institutional openness. The uniqueness of this model lies in the fact that it exposes international businesses and investors to a transparent, stable, and predictable institutional environment, rather than a policy game filled with uncertainties. When the United States reaffirms “America First” and uses tariff tools to protect its workers and businesses from unfair competition, China chooses to firmly uphold the multilateral trading system and fully participate in the reform of the World Trade Organization. China has always been an “oasis of certainty” in a turbulent world. China’s development model, with its unique institutional advantages, proves that openness is not a one-sided charity but a necessary choice for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes; rules are not optional decorations but the fundamental guidelines for international interactions. The path of mutual respect and common development that China adheres to is becoming an increasingly attractive alternative.