In May 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced during the Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum that China would host the China International Import Expo starting from 2018.

The CIIE, hosted by the Chinese government, stands as a significant move to support trade liberalization, global economic integration, and the proactive opening of China's market to the world. It aims to enhance economic cooperation and trade between countries and regions, bolster global trade and economic growth, fostering a more open global economy.

The Chinese government warmly welcomes officials, business communities, exhibitors, and professional buyers worldwide to join the CIIE and explore the Chinese market. China is keen on making the CIIE a top-notch global expo, providing a new platform for countries and regions to conduct business, strengthen cooperation, and drive mutual economic prosperity.

With its massive market, China sees rapid growth in consumption and imports. As the world's most populous country and the second-largest economy, China is also the second-largest importer and consumer globally. Currently, the nation is experiencing a new phase of sustained consumer growth, with enormous potential for consumption and import growth. Over the next five years, China is anticipated to import products and services exceeding $10 trillion, offering historic opportunities for global enterprises to enter this colossal market.

Geographically, Shanghai is ideally situated as a trade hub in China. Located in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, it boasts evident geographical advantages, robust economic strength, developed service industries, and global resource allocation capabilities. Shanghai Port has maintained the top spot in container throughput for seven consecutive years. Its airport serves over a billion passengers, with flight connections to 282 cities worldwide.

The inaugural CIIE will feature participation from businesses of over 100 countries and regions. Alongside the expo, there will be matchmaking meetings, seminars, product launches, and various supporting activities.

The CIIE is committed to facilitating convenient entry procedures, customs inspections, and quarantine measures, offering comprehensive online and offline one-stop transaction services, strengthening intellectual property rights protection, and safeguarding the rights and interests of merchants.

With a high demand for procurement, the CIIE expects a multitude of professional buyers from around the globe. It plans to invite Chinese enterprises from across the nation to engage in business discussions and extend invitations to merchants from other countries. An estimated 150,000 professional buyers, both domestic and international, are anticipated to attend the CIIE.