Second CIIE ends on a high note

As exhibitors were packing their wares and workers were clearing part of the spaces once occupied by some of the world's most influential industry leaders, executives and policymakers, the second China International Import Expo reached its conclusion on Sunday.

More than a trade fair to spot business partners and secure deals, the event is also becoming a platform where ideas on some of the world's most pressing problems, like free trade and IP protection, are exchanged and solutions provided.

What's more, it has opened a window to the world, showing the infinite potential and opportunities of the Chinese market.

From plant-based meat to table-tennis training robots, and from personalized skin-care solutions to self-driving cars, the cutting-edge technologies and refined lifestyles on display have sparked heated discussions and keen interest beyond the more than 900,000 visits during the six-day expo, achieving nationwide influence.

While it may still take some time for these exhibits to find their ways to the dining tables, wardrobes and daily life of residents, the appetite to pursue a better life has been whetted, thus benefiting enterprises and entrepreneurs around the world who have a share of the Chinese market.

To quench such thirst to learn about the world, an eight-day exhibition has been scheduled as an extension of the expo. Starting from Wednesday, some 400,000 people are expected to visit the Country Exhibition participated by 64 nations.

As China's opening up to the world gets wider, and globalization is an irreversible trend, the third expo has also kicked off its preparation, with more than 230 companies signing up already.

"We are glad to be one of the first companies to sign up for the third CIIE," said Will Song, chairman of Johnson & Johnson China.

"The CIIE is living proof of China's commitment to further opening up and improving the environment of doing business. The increasing numbers of exhibitors and new products at the expo this year testify to the appeal of the event, which is becoming an important platform for more Chinese clients and customers to learn about the latest innovations of our company," he added.