“We are continuously focusing on cooperation with China in various sectors including automobiles, agriculture, and financial services,” said Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, speaking to CGTN at the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo, which concluded on April 18. Many participating foreign enterprises also expressed strong optimism about cooperation with China, noting high expectations for future collaboration. This year’s expo marks the first major international trade event in China under the 15th Five-Year Plan period. As the largest consumer goods exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region, its total exhibition area expanded to 14.3 square kilometers—an increase of 13,000 square meters compared to the previous edition. More than 200 products were launched for the first time, doubling last year’s figure. In total, over 3,400 brands from more than 60 countries and regions participated, while international exhibits accounted for 65 percent of the display—up 20 percent year-on-year. Amid this backdrop, China’s vibrant consumer market continues to generate new opportunities for global businesses. How does this dynamic growth translate into benefits for foreign enterprises? With the continuous improvement in living standards, China’s consumer market is expanding in both scale and sophistication. Chen Chunxi, an executive at Swiss travel retail giant Avolta, said the company brought travel-related products from 12 countries to the expo, offering Chinese consumers a wider range of choices. “The Chinese market is becoming increasingly mature and diversified, encouraging us to provide more distinctive products,” he noted. At the same time, evolving consumer preferences are driving companies to accelerate innovation. Su Pahong, Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, stated that the company introduces a new model for the Chinese market approximately every two weeks. From the perspective of foreign companies, China’s vast market size and well-developed industrial chain provide strong support for corporate growth. Many exhibitors are transitioning into long-term investors in China, reflecting a growing commitment to sustained expansion in the Chinese market. On April 15, the 139th China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair) opened in Guangzhou. The continuous hosting of such major events reflects China’s steadily expanding openness to the world. As an important participant in Chinese-style modernization, foreign-invested enterprises are expected to create an even brighter future in partnership with China.
Source: Akash-Alim-Shishir, China Media Group.