Premier Li Qiang to Inaugurate Eighth China International Import Expo in Shanghai

Premier Li Qiang to Lead Opening of Major Global Trade Event

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai and deliver a keynote speech. The prestigious event, a key platform for international trade and economic cooperation, will take place from November 5 to 10, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

This marks the third consecutive year that Premier Li Qiang will address the opening of the CIIE, underscoring China's continued emphasis on promoting free trade and encouraging foreign investment.

CIIE: A Cornerstone of China's Opening-Up Policy

The China International Import Expo, personally proposed and launched by President Xi Jinping in 2018, stands as the world's first national-level exhibition dedicated solely to imports. Its primary objective is to facilitate global trade, promote economic globalization, and demonstrate China's unwavering commitment to opening its vast market to foreign goods and services. The expo serves as a vital bridge connecting international firms with Chinese buyers and consumers, fostering deeper economic exchanges and cooperation.

Record-Breaking Scale and Diverse Offerings

The eighth CIIE is set to achieve new milestones in scale and participation. It will host 4,108 overseas exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations, occupying a total exhibition area exceeding 430,000 square meters. Both the number of participants and the exhibition area represent new records for the event. Notably, enterprises from 123 Belt and Road partner countries have confirmed their participation, reflecting the expo's broad international appeal.

This year's expo will also see the debut of 461 new products, technologies, and services. New thematic areas introduced include:

• Silver economy
• Ice and snow economy
• Sports economy
• Automotive tourism
• New platforms for digital and health consumption

These additions aim to stimulate consumption and foster new forms of consumer spending.

Premier's Keynote and International Dignitaries

Premier Li Qiang's keynote speech is anticipated to highlight China's dedication to free trade, encourage further foreign investment, and address global economic concerns. He is also expected to visit pavilions of some American companies, signaling a positive stance on trade relations. In addition to the Premier, several other foreign leaders are slated to attend the opening ceremony and related events, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria Abbas Tajudeen, and President of the National Council of Slovenia Marko Lotrič. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu is also scheduled to participate. The expo will also feature the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, comprising 33 sub-forums, and over 80 supporting activities, including trade matchmaking and investment promotion sessions.