Global businesses look to new free trade era with China

Global businesses look forward to sharing the economic future with China in a new era via free international trade despite the Trump administration's protectionism, as the 100-day countdown of China's first import expo begins in Shanghai.

Robert Aspell, president of US-based food and agricultural giant Cargill's Asia-Pacific region, expressed the company's commitment to grow the Chinese market and its mission to work in stronger alignment with the strategic interests of China on food security and safety. Jean-Philippe Poulin, president of Lesaffre Greater China, is keen on the investment opportunities brought by the first China International Import Expo.

In addition to individual businesses, many governments also have identified the driving power CIIE can bring to their countries' economic development. Supported by the Japanese government, Michiaki Oguri, president of Japan External Trade Organization Shanghai, said they will organize nearly 300 small and medium-sized Japanese companies to participate in the CIIE this fall.

China's economy showcases strong growth momentum with GDP expanded 6.8 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year, up from the annual target of around 6.5 percent and within the range of 6.7 percent to 6.9 percent for 12 consecutive quarters.

As the world's second-largest economy after 40 years of development, the country is emphasizing more on high-quality development, with more input on sustainable growth, financial stability, poverty reduction and environmental protection.

The first China International Import Expo, which will be held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, demonstrates China's determination and sincerity to open its market and share the future with the world.