As the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) opens in Shanghai from November 5–10, the world's attention is on how global innovation flows in both directions: high-end foreign technologies arriving in China, and Chinese-made solutions expanding overseas.

This year's expo will showcase 461 new products, technologies, and services, with a focus on future industries such as the low-altitude economy, humanoid robots, and green, low-carbon innovation.

Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has served as a "golden gateway" for global specialties to enter the Chinese market. As the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated to imports, the CIIE has facilitated the entry of over 4,100 batches of overseas exhibits into the country, with a total value exceeding 8 billion yuan (approximately 1.12 billion U.S. dollars), according to Shanghai Customs data.

This year, the expo's scale will reach new heights. The exhibition space surpasses 430,000 square meters, with over 4,100 foreign companies from 155 countries and regions participating. U.S. companies will once again have the largest exhibition area for the seventh year in a row.

Innovation as the first impetus

With the growth of manufacturing intelligence, digitalization, and green transformation, global companies are aligning their innovation strategies with China's agenda for "new quality productive forces" to seize future growth opportunities.

The concept of new quality productive forces highlights an innovation-driven, high-quality development path where advanced technologies, new production models, and new business forms transform traditional industries.

The CIIE serves not only as a platform for unveiling new products but also as a springboard for innovation. For example, German chemical giant Henkel mentioned that procurement visitors at the new-materials pavilion arrived with clear cooperation and sourcing goals, and that China's market is deepening from trade to innovation collaboration.

Additionally, some of this year's highlights include Siemens' industrial AI products and solutions, a household companion robot designed for the elder market by Canadian startup ClickCopilot, and a dual-arm intelligent robot capable of handling 30 kg loads by a French robotics firm.

China is using the CIIE not just as a trade show but as an international showcase and collaboration platform – connecting foreign technologies with Chinese innovation, and introducing Chinese solutions to global markets.