The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) has once again proven to be a powerful engine for inclusive growth, as more companies from the Global South — including Belt and Road partners and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) — seize new trade opportunities in the Chinese market.
This year’s CIIE saw 163 companies from 37 LDCs join the event — a 23.5% increase from last year — while the number of African exhibitors jumped by 80% and Belt and Road participants rose by 23.1%, according to official data.
Under China’s zero-tariff policy for all LDCs established diplomatic relations, effective from December 2024, many exhibitors gained direct access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The government has also offered free booths, logistics subsidies, and green customs channels to ease participation and boost exports.
Tanzanian avocado exporter Juliana Mwaliyeplo called the CIIE “a bridge to the international market,” noting that China’s vast demand and stable partnerships could reshape the future for small African producers.
African exhibitors showcased high-quality products such as Zambian honey, Burundi coffee, and Zimbabwean essential oils, drawing strong interest from Chinese consumers. Ethiopia’s coffee exports to China, for instance, have surged from a few containers annually to over 100 containers and 2,000 tonnes per year.
The expo also featured stronger participation from Belt and Road economies, with companies from Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, and Peru introducing their signature goods. Colombia, this year’s guest of honor and a new Belt and Road member, quadrupled its number of exhibitors, offering avocados, chocolate, and handcrafted goods to Chinese buyers.
Officials and observers say the CIIE reflects China’s growing role in supporting South-South cooperation and promoting fair access to global markets.
“The CIIE has opened new doors for developing nations. Market access here truly turns into market entry,” said Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
Beyond the exhibition, China also launched the ‘Export to China’ initiative to help developing countries integrate into global supply chains, strengthen trade ties, and “turn opportunities into shared prosperity.”
For many Global South exporters — including those from Pakistan — the message from Shanghai is clear: China’s open market is not just an opportunity, but a partner in sustainable development.
